As anticipation builds around Texas quarterback Arch Manning potentially winning the Heisman Trophy and being the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, not everyone is ready to jump on the hype train just yet.
Former Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray made it clear that he’s not convinced Manning deserves all the buzz he’s getting – at least not yet.
Despite not being Texas’ full-time starter last season, Manning saw significant playing time due to an oblique injury that sidelined Quinn Ewers.
The highly touted former five-star recruit finished the season with 939 passing yards, 108 rushing yards, 13 total touchdowns, and just two interceptions operating in Steve Sarkisian’s offense.
With Ewers now out of the picture and Manning taking over full-time, expectations are soaring. But during an appearance on SiriusXM Radio, Murray urged caution.
“I am not sold, like so many of the other people are, that this guy is going to be the number one pick in NFL draft, that he’s going to just be unbelievable, that he’s going to be the next coming of Peyton and Eli, but that’s mobile,” Murray said.
Murray, who still holds the SEC record for career passing touchdowns, admitted he’s been skeptical of Manning’s trajectory for some time.
“I said this last year during the season, too, because I was a big fan of Quinn Ewers heading into the season,” he added.
Murray’s biggest sticking point? The fact that Manning didn’t earn the starting job over Ewers last season – despite the buzz surrounding his NFL future.
“Quinn Ewers had a disappointing season, and it reflected in his draft stock. If you are so good and everyone has you projected number one pick in the NFL Draft, come 2026, why in the [expletive] are you not playing above a seventh-round quarterback?” he said.
By the way, it’s not a foregone conclusion that Manning will enter the 2026 NFL Draft even if he’s projected to be the top overall pick.
Regardless, Murray went on to question Texas’ coaching decisions, while noting that Sarkisian had a roster that many considered among the best in college football.
“If Steve Sarkisian knows what he’s doing and he knows how good their roster is, which I’ve talked to a lot of coaches and a lot of different teams, and I asked them, like, what are the top rosters? Ohio State, Texas, and probably Georgia… What was holding them back? Quinn Ewers. Why was Arch not playing? It’s like that rubs me the wrong way a little bit.” he added.
With a full offseason to prepare as the starter, Manning will have an opportunity to either validate the hype – or prove Murray right – when the Longhorns take the field in 2025.
One thing is for sure: We won’t have to wait long to see how Manning deals with intense pressure and spotlight. After all, Texas kicks off the season with a blockbuster showdown at The Horseshoe against the defending national champion Buckeyes.
What are your thoughts on Murray’s criticism of Manning? … Do you agree with him that Arch doesn’t deserve the hype he’s getting???
