Arch Manning, the grandson of Archie Manning and nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, has long been a subject of intense scrutiny and expectation in college football. His arrival at the University of Texas was heralded as the beginning of a new era for the Longhorns, with hopes that he would continue the Manning family’s legacy of excellence at the quarterback position. However, as the 2025 season approaches, some voices within the football community are expressing skepticism about Manning’s readiness to live up to the considerable hype surrounding him.
One such voice is Aaron Murray, a former SEC quarterback and current ESPN analyst. Murray has publicly questioned Manning’s NFL Draft prospects, suggesting that despite a solid 2024 season—939 passing yards, 9 touchdowns, and only 3 interceptions—Manning may not be as elite as his family name suggests. He pointed to Manning’s two-year tenure as a backup to Quinn Ewers, now preparing for the NFL Draft, as a potential red flag. Murray argued that if Manning were truly a top-tier talent, he should have overtaken Ewers sooner. While acknowledging Manning’s potential, Murray emphasized the need for consistent, standout performances before labeling him a top-tier NFL prospect.
This sentiment is echoed by Greg McElroy, another former SEC quarterback and current ESPN analyst. McElroy criticized Texas’ decision to start Manning over Ewers for their College Football Playoff game against Clemson, suggesting that Manning was not ready for such a high-stakes environment. He likened the situation to the “Mean Girls” movie, implying that Texas was trying to make Manning the focal point without sufficient justification. McElroy’s comments highlight concerns about Manning’s readiness to perform under pressure and whether he can handle the expectations placed upon him.
Adding to the complexity of Manning’s situation is the perspective of his father, Cooper Manning. Cooper has expressed a realistic understanding of the challenges his son will face as Texas’ starting quarterback. He acknowledged that Arch will likely encounter struggles and “bumps in the road” but emphasized that these experiences will be valuable for his development. Cooper’s comments suggest a grounded approach to the pressures associated with being a Manning and the high expectations that come with it.
Despite these critiques, Manning has shown flashes of brilliance that suggest he has the potential to succeed at the highest levels. In a game against UTSA, he entered in relief of Ewers and threw for 223 yards and four touchdowns, adding a 67-yard rushing touchdown. This performance demonstrated his ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground, showcasing the dual-threat capabilities that have been a hallmark of the Manning family’s playing style.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian has also highlighted Manning’s athleticism, noting that he is “a really good athlete” who can make plays with his legs when necessary. Sarkisian’s comments suggest that Manning possesses the physical tools to succeed but may need to refine his decision-making and consistency to reach his full potential.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Arch Manning to see if he can live up to the immense expectations placed upon him. While some analysts express skepticism about his readiness, others point to his flashes of brilliance as evidence of his potential. Ultimately, Manning’s success will depend on his ability to translate his physical talents into consistent, high-level performance on the field. Only time will tell if he can continue the Manning family’s legacy and lead the Texas Longhorns to success.
