Having the entire landscape of college football fixed upon him is a feeling both Johnny Manziel and Arch Manning can relate to. However, can the Texas Longhorns‘ quarterback put on a show like the former Heisman Trophy winner did? The safe answer is no, but the Horns are chasing the NCAA National Championship and that’s a dream Arch isn’t giving up on.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Manning and the burnt orange. The Longhorns will kickstart the 2025 NCAA season with a litmus test at the home of the reigning national champions, the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Ranked in first place by the AP Coaches Poll, Texas is facing sky-high expectations. Manning’s individual performance will be under heavy duress, as well. The 21-year-old is considered among the best signal-callers in the nation, though he’s yet to attempt 100 passes in college football. To say he’ll be under pressure would be an understatement.
The eyes of Texas and the entire States will be upon Manning. Still, Manziel has recently dropped a confident statement on the young talent’s performance during the 2025 college football season. It’s definitely a strong vote of confidence from an icon of Texas’ rival, Texas A&M Aggies, and the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner.
Johnny Manziel #2 of the Cleveland Browns reacts after receiving his Aggie Ring during half time of the Southwest Classic at AT&T Stadium on September 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas.
“I think him being the seventh or eighth best in the SEC, I don’t think we’re going to see that,” Johnny Manziel said, as reported by On3. “I think he’s going to live somewhere in the top three of SEC play when it’s all said and done.”
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Get ready to rumble
The Longhorns may be the heavy favorites to hoist the natty this season, but no program is handing them a free win. If anything, it will be quite the opposite. There’s nothing every school wants more than to shock the nation and knock Texas from its high horse.
Plus, there aren’t many celebrations players around the country enjoy more than flashing the “Horns Down” sign. On that note, Manziel had a piece of advice for the young quarterback who’s walking into uncharted territory.
Cole Hutson #54 and Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns pose after defeating Alabama Crimson Tide 34-24 at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 09, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
“I think with the people that he’s had around him, the way that he was raised, the way that he’s grown up, I think he’s prepared for what he is getting himself into,” Manziel added. “But when it comes down to it, it is SEC football. They are going to scheme for him, they are going to be prepared for him. They know what kind of quarterback he is.
Hook’ Em
Though a sophomore quarterback in the NCAA, Manning isn’t used to being the starting quarterback. He’s taking his first steps as QB1 in Austin. For the first time in his career, opponents will be game-planning for him specifically. He’s no longer the surprise element behind Steve Sarkisian and Quinn Ewers’ offense. He’s the offense now.
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Fans in The Forty Acres and across the country are in for a wild ride. The Longhorns are hungry for silverware, and the rest of the league wants to be the one responsible for Texas’ downfall. The 2025 college football campaign is right around the corner, and it can’t arrive in Austin fast enough.
