Peyton Manning Reveals Why Arch Manning Is Poised for a Breakout Third Year at Texas.
Peyton Manning has always been thoughtful when it comes to the development of young quarterbacks, especially when the spotlight is shining brightly and expectations are suffocating. That’s precisely the environment his nephew, Arch Manning, finds himself in as he heads into his third year with the Texas Longhorns. As one of the most highly touted recruits in modern college football history, Arch has had the weight of a legendary last name and the microscope of national attention following him since his high school days. Yet through all of it, Peyton sees something in Arch that gives him absolute confidence. According to the Hall of Famer, this is the year Arch Manning shows the college football world why all the hype was justified.
When Peyton Manning talks quarterbacks, people listen. A two-time Super Bowl champion and five-time NFL MVP, his words carry credibility earned through decades of excellence. But with Arch, it’s not just about family loyalty—it’s about football IQ, development, timing, and, as Peyton explains, “finally having the pieces in place.” After two seasons of learning, adjusting, and watching from the sidelines, Arch is entering 2025 with the benefit of continuity, deeper understanding of Steve Sarkisian’s offense, and most importantly, the hunger to compete.
The early days at Texas weren’t smooth. Arch was never expected to start as a true freshman, but the buzz surrounding his name made it difficult for some fans and media members to temper their expectations. With Quinn Ewers returning as the starter and Maalik Murphy ahead of him on the depth chart, Arch spent most of his freshman year developing behind the scenes. Rather than seeing the bench time as a setback, Peyton believes that period was critical. “Not playing right away can be the best thing for a young quarterback,” Peyton said. “He had time to learn the system without the pressure of performing in front of 100,000 people every Saturday. He could make mistakes in practice, study film, grow his body, and absorb the offense without chaos.”
Indeed, those two seasons may have been the most beneficial years of Arch Manning’s football life. While fans only got glimpses of him in mop-up duty or spring games, reports from inside the Texas program have consistently noted Arch’s dedication, leadership, and daily improvement. Now, as Quinn Ewers is off to the NFL and Maalik Murphy has transferred, the path is finally clear for Arch to step into the starting role. According to Peyton, his nephew is more than ready. “This is the year you’re going to see the full package,” Peyton said. “He’s matured physically, mentally, emotionally. He knows the offense, he’s taken thousands of practice reps, and now he gets to take the reins.”
What makes Peyton so confident isn’t just what Arch does on the field, but how he approaches the game off it. From film study to weight room work to leading voluntary offseason practices, Arch has quietly become one of the most respected players in the locker room. Peyton points to those intangibles as the difference-makers. “It’s not about the arm talent. He’s got that. It’s about command, preparation, knowing where the ball needs to go before the snap. Arch has that now. He’s ready.”
Another reason Arch is poised to thrive is the stability and structure of the Texas offense under Steve Sarkisian. The third-year quarterback is entering his third year in the same system, something that Peyton says cannot be overstated. “Too many young quarterbacks have to learn a new language every year. That stunts growth. Arch has had the benefit of consistency in coaching and terminology. That’s huge.” Under Sarkisian, the Longhorns have developed one of the most quarterback-friendly systems in college football—emphasizing timing, spacing, and high-percentage reads. With a talented supporting cast, including returning offensive linemen and explosive skill players, Arch won’t have to do it alone.
But the expectations are still massive. This is Texas, a program with national championship aspirations and one now fully immersed in SEC competition. The move from the Big 12 to the SEC adds pressure, but also opportunity. Peyton believes Arch is uniquely suited to handle that environment. “Pressure doesn’t bother him. He’s been dealing with that since he was 14. He’s grown up in the fishbowl. But he’s got a calmness to him, a poise, that not a lot of young guys have. It’s in his DNA.”
Of course, the Manning name has always been a double-edged sword. Being the nephew of Peyton and Eli, and grandson of Archie, comes with immense expectations. Peyton admits the scrutiny has sometimes been unfair. “Arch didn’t choose his last name, but he’s never tried to run from it either. He’s handled all the noise with class. He just wants to earn it on his own, and he’s doing that.”
In talking about Arch’s potential, Peyton doesn’t just focus on leadership or maturity—he also talks about what people can expect from Arch on the field this season. The arm strength has always been there, but Peyton says it’s the processing speed that has taken the biggest leap. “The game has slowed down for him. You’re going to see him making checks at the line, adjusting protections, going through progressions like a veteran. That’s the kind of stuff that separates good quarterbacks from great ones.”
There’s also the matter of competitiveness, something Peyton swears is one of Arch’s defining traits. While the public image of Arch has often been quiet and humble, those close to him know the fire that burns inside. “Don’t let the calm demeanor fool you—he wants to win every drill, every rep, every game,” Peyton said. “He hates losing. That’s something I recognized in him early, and it’s what will keep pushing him forward when things get tough.”
Those tough moments will come. Every first-year starter, no matter how talented, will face adversity. Peyton’s advice to Arch has always been about staying even-keeled, focusing on the next play, and never letting one mistake turn into two. “The best quarterbacks have short memories. I told Arch, ‘You’re going to throw a pick. You’re going to take a sack. Move on. Lead the next drive.’ That’s the mindset you have to have in the SEC.”
Texas fans are hungry for a return to national prominence, and Arch Manning’s development is central to those hopes. For a fan base that has waited patiently—and at times impatiently—for its next great quarterback, Arch represents the bridge between potential and realization. And while many young quarterbacks might crumble under such pressure, Peyton Manning believes this is exactly the moment Arch has been preparing for his entire life.
“He’s not going to be perfect,” Peyton said. “But he’s ready to lead, to compete, to win. I wouldn’t say that if I didn’t believe it. I’ve watched him put in the work. I’ve seen how much he cares. This is his time.”
The leadership transition from Quinn Ewers to Arch Manning also brings a cultural shift inside the Texas locker room. Ewers was laid-back and confident, while Arch is known for his workmanlike approach and quiet leadership. Peyton believes that contrast will be an asset. “Every quarterback has to lead in their own way. Arch won’t be the loudest guy, but he leads by example. That matters to teammates. They know he’s all-in.”
There’s a broader implication, too. With Texas entering the SEC in full force, a successful season from Arch could position the Longhorns as immediate contenders. The national spotlight will only intensify, especially with marquee matchups on the schedule. Peyton sees that as a proving ground. “The SEC will test you. That’s where you find out what you’re made of. I’m excited for Arch to step into that arena and show what he can do.”
For Arch Manning, year three isn’t just a new chapter—it’s the one that could define his college career. After years of hype, speculation, and buildup, the stage is finally his. And while many are eager to judge quickly, Peyton Manning urges patience and perspective. “He’s not trying to be me or Eli or anybody else. He’s writing his own story. And it’s going to be a good one.”
The coming season will tell much about where Arch stands, but if his legendary uncle is right, Texas fans are about to witness the rise of a quarterback who’s not only prepared for the moment—but destined to seize it. Peyton Manning has seen what greatness looks like at every level of football. And when he says Arch is ready, you can believe it.
