The countdown has begun for what promises to be one of college football’s most highly anticipated quarterback debuts in recent memory.
Arch Manning, the heir to a legendary football lineage, is finally poised to take full command of the Texas Longhorns’ offense this fall.
After spending two seasons waiting in the wings behind Quinn Ewers, Manning will lead the Longhorns into the 2025 season opener on August 30 – a high-stakes rematch against the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes, who defeated Texas 28–14 in the College Football Playoff semifinals this past January.
Though expectations are sky-high for the former five-star recruit, not everyone is expecting a seamless transition.
During a recent appearance on The Paul Finebaum Show, veteran Houston Chronicle columnist Kirk Bohls shared insights from Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, cautioning that Manning’s ascent won’t come without growing pains.
“Well, it’s funny, we got to meet with Steve (Sarkisian) just a week or so ago for the first time since that notorious finish in the Cotton Bowl against Ohio State. You know, he did have one troubling statement I would say, Paul, when he said about Arch Manning, ‘He’s not going to throw a touchdown on every pass,’ and I think that kind of shook everybody,” Bohls said.
“Maybe he is talking about a touchdown every other pass, which probably would be acceptable to Longhorn Nation. But there’s going to be growing pains as we all know.”
The reality, however, is that the 2025 campaign represents a new chapter for Texas – one in which a largely untested quarterback will have to step up in a major way.
Manning, who appeared in 10 games and started two last season, threw for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions – respectable numbers for a backup, but a far cry from the proven production of his predecessor.
“You go from Quinn Ewers, who won 27 games, and started about 35 games to Arch Manning, who started two,” Bohls added.
Despite the inexperience, expectations remain sky-high in Austin.
Manning’s pedigree – as the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning and grandson of Archie Manning – combined with his natural talent has many projecting him as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, if all goes according to plan.
But before the NFL buzz takes center stage, Manning will have to prove he can lead Texas through a gauntlet of SEC competition and back into the playoff picture.
Needless to say, a win against Ohio State to open the season would be the perfect way to set that tone.
With a talented roster around him and the full confidence of Sarkisian and the program, the Arch Manning era begins with both promise and pressure.
While you certainly understand Sark trying to ease pressure and expectations, we all know how the hype machine works.
In fairness to Manning, he looked phenomenal in his limited action last season and by all accounts is fully ready to take on everything that comes with being QB1 in Austin.
What are your thoughts on Bohls’ comments about the sky-high expectations for Manning? … At the end of the day, do you think he will live up to the massive hype???
