Arch Manning is stepping into a pivotal role for the Texas Longhorns as Quinn Ewers heads to the NFL draft after three seasons as the starting quarterback. With Ewers’ inconsistent performance last season, many fans and analysts are left wondering if Manning should have already taken the field for Texas. The anticipation surrounding Manning is palpable, and the Longhorns are eager to see what he can bring to the table.
What can we expect from Arch Manning?
As Manning prepares to lead the Longhorns, the question arises: what exactly is Texas getting with this highly touted recruit? College football expert RJ Young has drawn parallels between Texas’ current situation and that of Georgia before they clinched their national championship. He recalls how Georgia had a talented quarterback like Justin Fields waiting in the wings behind Jake Fromm, and later, Stetson Bennett emerged as the unexpected hero.
Young emphasizes that Texas needs to “level up” at the quarterback position to become a true contender. He speculates that the Longhorns’ struggles in critical moments, such as a crucial game against Ohio State, might have played out differently had Manning been under center instead of Ewers. Would head coach Steve Sarkisian have opted for a different play call? These are the intriguing questions that fans are asking as they look forward to Manning’s debut.
Coaching adjustments for Manning’s strengths
With Manning expected to be the starter in 2025, Sarkisian is likely to tailor the offense to suit his unique skill set. Young expressed confidence that Sarkisian understands the importance of this adjustment, likening it to the world of Formula 1 racing. He believes that just as a racing team would switch from an underperforming car to a high-speed Ferrari, Texas will need to revamp its offensive strategy to maximize Manning’s potential.
“I think, knowing that you also have Arch Manning here, you’re going to change the offense,” Young said. The excitement surrounding this potential transformation is palpable, as fans eagerly await the new dynamics that Manning will bring to the Longhorns’ offense.
Learning from past mistakes
Reflecting on Texas’ recent games, Young pointed out how Manning’s presence might have altered critical decisions made by Sarkisian. For instance, in a tight game against Ohio State, the Longhorns faced a pivotal moment when Ewers was stripped of the ball, leading to a devastating touchdown for the Buckeyes. Young wondered aloud, “Would Sarkisian have called QB power? Would he have called a bootleg? Would he have done something different with Arch Manning at quarterback?” These questions underscore the potential impact that Manning could have on the team’s decision-making and overall performance.
As the Longhorns lose key players like top-rated offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. and receiver Matthew Golden to the NFL, there’s a sense of uncertainty. However, Young believes that Texas should feel as confident at quarterback as they did during the era of Colt McCoy, the last quarterback to lead them to a national title game. This sentiment reflects a growing optimism about Manning’s ability to step into a leadership role and guide the Longhorns to success.
The Longhorns’ future with Manning
Arch Manning’s arrival at Texas is not just about filling a roster spot; it’s about ushering in a new era of Longhorn football. With the right adjustments from Sarkisian and the support of a talented roster, Manning has the potential to elevate Texas back into national championship contention. The Longhorns have a rich history, and fans are eager to see if Manning can help restore that glory.
In the coming seasons, all eyes will be on Manning as he takes the reins of the Longhorns. The excitement is building, and the stakes are high. Will he be the catalyst that propels Texas back to the top of college football? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Longhorns are ready to embrace the future with Arch Manning leading the charge.
As the college football landscape continues to evolve, Texas fans can look forward to a thrilling journey ahead. With Manning at the helm, the Longhorns are poised to make waves in the competitive world of college football. The anticipation is electric, and the possibilities are endless.
