Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Texas HC Steve Sarkisian Reveals Epic Comparison for Arch Manning

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Evan Massey | Last updated Apr 20, 2025 11:39 AM ET

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning is one of the most talked about players in college football heading towards the 2025 season.

After sitting behind Quinn Ewers last season, but still receiving some valuable playing time, Manning is expected to have a massive breakout season in 2025. He has patiently waited his turn to be the starter and now he'll have an opportunity to live up to all of the hype.

Being the nephew of NFL legends Eli Manning and Peyton Manning comes with a lot of pressure. The younger Manning has been compared to both of his uncles at length.

While the comparisons between Eli and Peyton have been made, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian spoke out recently and revealed an epic comparison that doesn't include either of the two recent NFL stars.

Sarkisian believes that Manning compares much more to his grandfather, Archie Manning, than he does to his uncles.

During a recent interview with ESPN's Pete Thamel, Sarkisian spoke out about the comparison in more detail.

"I think there's something that's unique about Arch. You can watch him throw, and you see when you get up on him in person, man, he's a bigger guy than maybe people think. When you watch him throw, the arm talent and the deep ball is there," Sarkisian said.

"Then you watch him move and you're like, wait, this guy's a better athlete than I thought. Definitely got grandpa's gene. It's not the uncles, he got grandpa's gene."

Manning played in 10 games during the 2024 season. He completed 67.8% of his pass attempts for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions. Manning also picked up 108 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Manning is receiving a ton of hype. Fans will get a good look at what he's capable of in the season opener on August 30 when the Longhorns take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in a major road showdown.

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

More must-reads: