Steve Sarkisian Makes Feelings Clear About Arch Manning’s Future at Texas

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 3:34 PM ET

Steve Sarkisian knows the questions are coming, and he’s not taking the bait. When asked how long he expects Arch Manning to stay at Texas, the Longhorns coach offered a diplomatic response.

“I just want the guy to have a really good season this year, and we’ll cross that bridge when he comes to it,” Sarkisian said. “I hope he has a really hard decision to make because that means he played really good.”

Translation? If Manning lives up to the immense hype this fall, the NFL decision will take care of itself.

After redshirting in 2023 and backing up Quinn Ewers in 2024, the former five-star phenom and member of football royalty finally gets his shot as Texas’ starting quarterback. Expectations are sky-high in Austin, not just because of Manning’s name, but because of the program Sarkisian has built.

Steve Sarkisian on how long he expects Arch Manning in Austin: "I just want the guy to have a really good season this year, and we’ll cross that bridge when he comes to it. I hope he has a really hard decision to make, because that means he played really good."
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) July 15, 2025

Texas is coming off a College Football Playoff appearance and enters the 2025 season as a legitimate national title contender. With a stacked roster and plenty of weapons around him, Manning is positioned to succeed immediately.

But with that success comes the question: Will Manning bolt for the 2026 NFL Draft after just one season in Austin?

Sarkisian, wisely, is pumping the brakes. He’s seen how unpredictable quarterback development can be, and he’s focused on the here and now.

For Texas fans, it’s a delicate dance. Of course, they want Manning to be great. But if he is great, they might only get one full season of him. If he struggles or needs more time, he could return in 2026.

Either way, Sarkisian’s message is clear: let Manning play. The future will sort itself out, but for now, the Longhorns are all in on the present and along for the ride on the hype train, like the one started by ESPN's Paul Finebaum.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: