Comparing Arch Manning's first five starts to famous family members: Growing pains or bigger concerns?

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning was supposed to be a Heisman candidate this season. He's been far from that. 

Through three starts in 2025, Manning ranks second to last in the SEC in completion percentage (55.3%), 13th in passing yards (579) and 13th in passer rating (128.8). He's also tied for seventh in touchdown passes (six).

So, should Texas fans be worried about the 21-year-old QB's future, or are these just typical growing pains for a first-year starter?

Slow starts run in the Manning family

Manning is the nephew of Super Bowl champions Peyton and Eli and grandson of former New Orleans Saints QB Archie. Take a look at their passing stats through their first five collegiate starts (via The Athletic's Manny Navarro). (Note: The Texas QB started two games last season when filling in for an injured Quinn Ewers.)

Eli Manning had the best numbers of the bunch. But the former Ole Miss star had an easy first start, serving as a springboard. He played Murray State in Week 1 of the 2001 season, completing 20 of 23 passes for 271 yards and five TDs in a 49-14 victory. 

The other Mannings, meanwhile, showed flashes during their first seasons. Archie Manning and Ole Miss beat No. 11 Alabama at home in his third start. Peyton Manning finished 7-1 in his first season with the Tennessee Volunteers. 

Like his family members, Arch Manning could overcome early challenges and become a college standout. However, the Longhorns need that to happen soon. 

Arch Manning's recent play won't cut it in SEC play

Texas beat UTEP 27-10 in Week 3, but the QB struggled mightily, completing a woeful 44% of his passes. Fans also booed him at the end of the second quarter after failing to convert a third down. 

On Monday, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said these shortcomings will help Arch Manning grow. Longhorn fans better hope the coach is right. 

No. 8 Texas plays No. 11 Oklahoma (Oct. 11), No. 5 Georgia (Nov. 15) and No. 10 Texas A&M (Nov. 28) this season. If Arch Manning keeps floundering in these matchups, the Longhorns (2-1) could lose them.

Texas failing to make the College Football Playoff for the first time since the 2022 season would raise more questions about whether Arch Manning can lead the program to its fifth national title. It would also raise doubts about whether he can carry on his family legacy.