Sara Diggins / Austin American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Texas Reveals Arch Manning News on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Jul 28, 2025 1:34 PM ET

The anticipation is building in Austin, Texas, as the Longhorns gear up for a highly anticipated college football season—and much of that excitement centers around quarterback Arch Manning.

After spending the past two seasons behind Quinn Ewers, the former five-star recruit and No. 1 player in the Class of 2023 is expected to take over as the starting quarterback. Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, made several appearances last season, but now steps into the spotlight with full control of the offense.

He'll face his toughest test right out of the gate on Aug. 30, when Texas travels to Columbus for a College Football Playoff semifinal rematch against Ohio State—a team that ended the Longhorns' season last year en route to the national championship.

Still, with all that now behind him, the hype surrounding Manning—both as a Heisman hopeful and an early favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft—continues to build, and on Monday, it received yet another boost.

Texas announced that Manning and running back Tre Wisner have both been named to the preseason watchlist for the Maxwell Award, which is presented annually to the best player in college football.

Arch Manning and Tre Wisner have been named to the Maxwell Award watchlist list @MaxwellFootball @1waytreway x @ArchManning pic.twitter.com/iGAS0fOEwV
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) July 28, 2025

The Maxwell Award is one of the most prestigious honors in college football, presented annually to the nation’s Most Outstanding Player.

Arch Manning’s inclusion on the preseason watchlist adds to a growing list of accolades as he prepares for his first full season as Texas’ starting quarterback. Last week, he was also named to the All-SEC Preseason Third Team—an impressive nod for a player who has yet to truly showcase himself on the field for an extensive period.

Even Manning has acknowledged the hype may be premature. Speaking at SEC Media Days, he addressed the attention he's received and the early Heisman buzz.

“I’m not sure how they get these opinions—I’ve only played, what, two games?” Manning said. “It’s nice of them to say, but it doesn’t mean anything. Talk is cheap. I’ve got to go prove it.”

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

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