Former national champion coach fires shot at Texas, Arch Manning

While Spurrier, who won a national championship in 1996 as Florida head coach, isn't the most unbiased source considering his SEC allegiances elsewhere, his point holds some weight considering Manning is still largely an unknown.

He appeared in 12 games during his first two seasons, maintaining his freshman redshirt in 2023. Last season, Manning played in 10 games, including home starts against Louisiana-Monroe and Mississippi State while Ewers recovered from an oblique strain, and was 61-of-90 for 939 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions.

He was overwhelmed in a brief appearance when inserted into a regular-season home loss to Georgia, going 3-of-6 for 19 yards with two sacks and a fumble.

Manning is the most notable question mark on the Texas roster, but head coach Steve Sarkisian must also replace plenty of departing NFL talent, including three first-round picks, tied for the most (1980) in program history. (h/t Stathead)

That hasn't stopped oddsmakers from backing the Longhorns. Per ESPN BET, Texas (+250) is the favorite to win the SEC, followed in the top five by Georgia (+360), Alabama (+400), LSU (+800) and Ole Miss (+1100).

ESPN's Football Power Index also ranks Texas as the country's top team with a 24.1% chance to win the national championship in January.

Texas has plenty of support, but at least one high-profile detractor. Spurrier's comments are also a reminder that until Manning proves himself against college football's elite, which he'll get his first chance to in Week 1 on Aug. 30 at defending national champion Ohio State, doubters will remain.