Arguably the biggest storyline in college football heading into the 2025 NCAA season, Arch Manning is officially set to begin his journey as the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns. While expectations are sky-high and the love for the 19-year-old star runs deep in Austin—and across the nation—head coach Steve Sarkisian poured some ice-cold water on the hype, warning Texas’ new QB1 about the passionate fans he’ll need to win over every Saturday this fall.
Though Manning had his fair share of opportunities at Texas, every time he stepped in for Quinn Ewers, the pressure was relatively low. He could play freely, knowing he had everything to gain and little to lose.
During the 2025 NCAA campaign, that will change. There’s no one above Manning in The Forty Acres now—he’s the unquestioned number one. And with that title, the full weight of the program rests on the teenager’s shoulders. The Eyes of Texas will be upon the sophomore signal caller.
Manning is among the most beloved college football players in the country—not just in Austin—but his charisma will only take him so far if his performance falls short. Ahead of a pivotal campaign for the Longhorns, Sarkisian issued a warning: Manning’s first year as QB1 won’t be all smooth sailing.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian of the Texas Longhorns talks with athletic director Chris Del Conte after the game against the Kansas State Wildcats at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 26, 2021 in Austin, Texas.
“The boos. Because the boos are going to come here pretty soon, too.,” Sarkisian admitted in his heads-up message for Manning, per Sports Illustrated. “I love our fans – they love the backup quarterback, but they hate interceptions. So those are coming.”
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Honeymoon phase comes to a close
While Manning was beloved by the burnt-orange nation, with many fans calling for Arch to take over as the starting QB over Ewers, the job is now Manning’s to lose.
Last season, whenever Manning stepped in and played great, fans would be excited because their backup was a star, as well. This time around, great performances will be expected from the 19-year-old, and if his play disappoints, fans will let him and Sarkisian know.
Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns warms up before the game against the UTSA Roadrunners at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Austin, Texas.
Chasing greatness
In sports, cheers can turn to jeers in a heartbeat—it all depends on the player and the team’s performance. Regardless, this won’t be news to Manning, who’s well aware of the expectations placed on him and the Longhorns heading into the season. He’s lived up to the hype at every stage of his career and life.
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The last name on the back of his jersey has always been both a source of pride and a heavy burden. From an early age, he has carried the family’s rich tradition and lineage of great signal callers. But as he enters this paramount test, the name on the front of his jersey carries just as much weight. And in case he hasn’t figured it out after three years in Austin—everything is bigger in Texas, and the Longhorns are no exception to that rule.
