Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning was billed as the next great college quarterback despite having never been a full-time starter at the collegiate level. Not only did Manning open the season as the odds-on Heisman trophy favorite, but he was billed by ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum as “the best college football quarterback we have seen since Tim Tebow entered the scene in 2006.”
Manning never indicated that he would declare for the NFL draft after the 2025 season, but draft expert Mel Kiper pegged him as the top quarterback in the draft class anyway, according to recent sports betting websites.
“We put him at No. 1 because we have to. It’s Arch Manning. We saw glimpses last year of the greatness he could provide that Texas offense. Running the football, he’s got great legs. Cooper Manning, his father, was a wide receiver until he got injured. So he’s got speed – something Eli and Peyton didn’t have,” Kiper said.
However, once the season kicked off things went South fast. Arch has struggled immensely when facing Power 4 talent, and at one point many fans and pundits wondered if Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian would bench him.
It’s not insane to wonder whether or not Manning might considering transferring somewhere where the spotlight may not be on him as much. However, previous comments from his uncle, Peyton Manning, confirm that this is the only school and coach that Arch wants to play for.
“I’m proud of Arch. I’m proud of him,” Peyton Manning said. “Most kids probably wouldn’t have stayed in that situation.
“He went to Texas because he wanted to play at Texas. He wanted to go to college and play for (Steve) Sarkisian… most of the right reasons you should choose a college. I’m glad he’s staying there.”
It’s clear that Arch isn’t transferring, but the decision may end up costing him a shot at the NFL.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.