How Texas QB Arch Manning can live up to the hype in Week 1 opener against Ohio State

With the strong lineage the 21-year-old comes from as the grandson of former New Orleans Saints QB Archie Manning and nephew of Super Bowl champions Peyton and Eli, many expect him to live up to those lofty expectations instantly.

While Sarkisian has Arch Manning in this position for a reason, he made it clear that he doesn't want him "to do anything superhuman." Instead, just "let him go play the way he's capable of playing."

As of Tuesday, Manning enters the season as the Heisman favorite (+700), per FanDuel. Heading into a true road environment against a loaded Ohio State defense that features preseason first-team All-American Caleb Downs, some early-season struggles should be expected as he gets some snaps under his belt and gains more experience.

Texas has been a frequent presence in the College Football Playoff lately, losing in the semifinal round each of the last two seasons. Although the national title aspirations remain, a lot of changes have taken place since last season.

Matthew Golden and Isaiah Bond, the team's top two receivers from the 2024 campaign, are now with the Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns, respectively, while tight end Gunnar Helm is with the Tennessee Titans.

Despite only returning one starter from its offensive line, running backs Quintrevion Wisner and CJ Baxter are back, giving Arch Manning some experience in the backfield. The Longhorns had the second-best defense (15.3 PPG) last season, so the foundation is still there to surround Manning with the talent to be successful.

The recent success and high upside with Arch Manning clearly factored into analyst and former Alabama QB Greg McElroy picking the Longhorns to win the SEC and the national championship this season, going back to the high expectations surrounding the program.

There is no denying the arm talent and pure athleticism that Arch Manning possesses. With a strong defense and challenging atmosphere awaiting him on Saturday, limiting mistakes and not forcing anything when there are no options downfield will be critical as he takes the field as a full-time starter for the first time at Texas.