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Steve Sarkisian revealed the key to Arch Manning’s maturation process with Texas Longhorns at SEC Media Days

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Berry | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 6:16 PM ET

After sitting behind Quinn Ewers in 2024, former No. 1 overall recruit and football royalty member, Arch Manning, is finally the starting quarterback at the University of Texas.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian spoke with the media at SEC Media Days Tuesday about how Manning has handled being the guy.

“He learned a lot over time. For Arch, he grew up in this era of seeing high level football," Sarkisian said. "He’s watched Super Bowls. He’s watched gold jackets get put on. He’s been to playoff games. He’s been recruited at the highest level as the No. 1 player in the country."

Stephen Hartzell-Learfield

Steve Sarkisian thinks Arch Manning's development has taken the next step. A lot of was due to learning under Quinn Ewers.

"He watched Quinn (Ewers) navigate through the ups and downs of being the starting quarterback at the University of Texas."

A lot of what makes Manning so intriguing as a prospect is his laid back, nonchalant attitude. For someone who has lived under the microscope since he was able to throw a football in grade school, he takes it all in stride. Sarkisian thinks it's what makes him such an infectious personality and a natural leader in the locker room.

"I think the one thing that you find out about Arch is he’s got a very even keel about him, he’s very quick witted, he’s got a great sense of humor about himself, and he’s okay to laugh at himself.”

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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