Longhorns QB Arch Manning receives key message from Steve Sarkisian ahead of 2025 College Football season

Arch Manning will finally get his chance to become the leader of the Texas Longhorns’ first team—a role many have anticipated for quite some time. While head coach Steve Sarkisian trusts what the quarterback can bring in the upcoming college football season, he’ll also need to shield his young star from the constant spotlight that now comes with the position.

The buzz surrounding his arrival at The Forty Acres placed a heavy burden on the QB—one he’ll now have to carry as he steps into the starting role following Quinn Ewers’ departure to the NFL.

After the first signs of activity in Austin, Coach Sark spoke with the press regarding the situation. He admitted uncertainty about how much it might affect Manning’s performance week after week but expressed confidence in being able to protect him in the best possible way.

“I don’t know if you can insulate,” Sarkisian said, per OutKick‘s Trey Wallace. “For Arch, part of coming to Texas was building that brand and having exposure. I want to make sure he enjoys his experience… Part of that is protecting him as well.”

Head coach Steve Sarkisian of the Texas Longhorns reacts on the sideline during the 2021 AT&T Red River Showdown against the Oklahoma Sooners at Cotton Bowl on October 09, 2021 in Dallas, Texas.

The redshirt sophomore’s debut is eagerly awaited in Texas, with many betting that his talent could elevate a program with serious aspirations of reaching the National Championship Game.

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Sarkisian’s goal for Manning

The high expectations placed on Manning for the upcoming season could ultimately prove counterproductive for the quarterback. That’s why Sarkisian aims for his player to enjoy the game as much as possible, believing that this approach will allow him to fully showcase his talent on the field.

“Arch is a great player, but I hope for everybody here that we don’t get too far ahead of ourselves,” Sarkisian said. “Let’s let this guy go play this year. Let’s let him have fun in finally getting his opportunity as the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns. It’s been a lifelong dream for this guy to do this.

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“I know some of you have seen the videos of him as a kid wearing the Longhorn jersey and talking about playing for Texas. It’s finally his time and I hope he can just have the opportunity to enjoy it and enjoy it the right way.”