Urban Meyer urges Texas to make key change amid Arch Manning’s struggles

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning entered the 2025 season with pressure few quarterbacks have ever faced. As the nephew of Peyton and Eli and grandson of Archie, the family pedigree is unmatched in college football. Manning also stepped into the role of starter at Texas on a roster brimming with talent, coached by Steve Sarkisian and ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25 preseason poll for the first time in program history. The hype was enormous, the spotlight brighter still, and through three games the results have been uneven.

Texas is 2-1, but Manning has struggled to find rhythm and consistency. His numbers—six touchdowns, three interceptions, and a 55.3% completion rate—have only amplified questions about whether the former No. 1 recruit is ready to meet the program’s championship expectations.

On Thursday, former Florida coach Urban Meyer joined Colin Cowherd on The Herd and offered perspective rooted in his own experience developing quarterbacks. Meyer argued that the Longhorns might need to give Manning more input to help him build confidence and comfort.

Meyer drew on his time with Chris Leak at Florida, a quarterback who initially faltered in his system but eventually became a national champion. “We adapted. We basically let him get very involved in the game plan, not the play calling, but the planning,” Meyer said. “Maybe that’s what they have to do at Texas: Say ‘Arch, you tell us what you want, and we’ll call it.’”

Opposing Coaches Weigh In On Manning’s Early Struggles

Meyer’s advice reflects what opposing coaches have already seen. Manning has faced defenses that disrupted his mechanics and confidence, beginning with Ohio State in Week 1. One coach told On3 that Manning rushed too many throws, leading to inaccuracy on passes that should have been routine. Another noted that his pre-snap reads looked shaky, leaving him uncomfortable against shifting coverages.

There are other factors at play as well. Texas has been shorthanded in the backfield, with Tre Wisner missing two games and CJ Baxter exiting early against UTEP. Manning himself has been the team’s leading rusher, showing flashes of athleticism with three rushing touchdowns, but the lack of balance has put more pressure on his arm.