Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws a pass during the first half against the Sam Houston Bearkats at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Fans shouldn't get too excited over big Arch Manning game

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Sep 20, 2025 11:49 PM ET

This was the Arch Manning that was promised. Just don't expect to see him much more this season.

On Saturday, Associated Press No. 8 Texas Longhorns defeated the winless Sam Houston Bearkats (0-4), 55-0, and Manning looked much more like the highly touted No. 1 overall recruit of the 2023 high-school class than he has all year. Before being pulled midway through the third quarter, Manning was 18-of-21 for 309 yards (14.7 yards per attempt) and five total touchdowns (three passing, two rushing).

Despite gaudy numbers, it's wise to curb enthusiasm over Arch Manning's start

As stellar as the performance was, it certainly helped that it came against Sam Houston State, which entered Saturday No. 130 nationally in scoring defense, allowing 38.7 points per game. Manning won't face a unit as porous as the rest of the season. While it's good that he took advantage of the overmatched competition, SEC competition will be a completely different challenge.

Manning rarely faced pressure, making things easy for him on his beautiful 53-yard touchdown to sophomore wide receiver Ryan Wingo in the third quarter.

Arch Wingo pic.twitter.com/p7R6IWYeRS
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) September 21, 2025

He also hilariously stared down a Sam Houston State defender after his first rushing touchdown, which was not the flex he thought it was.

We told y'all @archmanning got swagger pic.twitter.com/WsiNPGiJPb
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) September 21, 2025

Manning will face much stiffer competition following Texas's Week 5 bye when it opens SEC competition at Florida. As bad as the Gators' 1-3 record indicates they are, their defense has been excellent, stymying No. 3 LSU (4-0, 1-0 in SEC) and No. 4 Miami (4-0) in consecutive weeks.

The Longhorns then play No. 11 Oklahoma (4-0, 1-0 in SEC), which is coming off a program-record 10-sack performance against No. 22 Auburn (3-1, 0-1 in SEC) in a 24-17 win. Later this season, on Nov. 15, they travel to No. 5 Georgia (3-0, 1-0 in SEC).

It's possible Week 4 could be the highlight of Manning's season by the time it's over, especially if he struggles as much against the SEC as he did in Week 1 against No. 1 Ohio State. It was important for Manning to find a rhythm and success before opening conference play, but he by no means erased all concerns two weeks before heading to Gainesville. That won't happen until he stands up to players in his purported weight class.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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