Quinn Ewers is reportedly heading to the NFL draft, leaving the reins of Texas’ offense in Arch Manning’s hands. The Longhorns have reached the College Football Playoff semifinals two years in a row, and FOX national college football analyst R.J. Young sees Texas remaining a contender on the national stage. With Manning under center, Young believes there will be no drop-off at the quarterback position.
The Future of Texas Football with Arch Manning
Young’s confidence in Manning stems from the young quarterback’s impressive skill set. On his podcast, “The Number One College Football Show,” he expressed optimism about Texas’ future. He stated, “Arch Manning is one of the reasons I think Texas, like Oregon, is gonna make another run at the national championship in 2025.” This statement highlights the excitement surrounding Manning and the potential he brings to the Longhorns.
Arch Manning’s Impressive Performance
Manning stepped in for an injured Ewers during Texas’ dominant 56-7 victory over UTSA, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. He continued to start in subsequent games against Louisiana Monroe and Mississippi State. Young noted, “He, I think, is living up to the hype,” referring to Manning’s five-star prospect status. His mobility, strong arm, and keen field vision have made him a standout player. Young emphasized that while Manning was involved in some red zone packages late in the season, there’s much more to his game that fans have yet to see.
What Makes Arch Manning Different?
So, what sets Manning apart from Ewers? Young believes that Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns coaching staff understand the unique talents Manning possesses. He explained, “One of the things that we learned from this long college football season is that you need an outstanding playmaker at quarterback. You need a guy that can make it happen when everything else has gone wrong.” This ability to perform in crucial moments is essential for a championship-caliber team.
Moreover, Young is excited about the prospect of Manning getting more game-time experience. He remarked, “If you’re Steve Sarkisian, you feel so good about getting this guy some real game-time experience from start to finish in games that he’s gotta go win, against competition that we all thought Texas should beat this year.” This sentiment reflects the confidence that the coaching staff has in Manning as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 Season
Manning won’t have to wait long to face stiff competition. The Longhorns open their 2025 schedule on the road at Ohio State, a matchup that will surely test Manning’s skills and leadership. This game will be pivotal, not only for Manning but also for the entire Texas program as they aim to solidify their status as a national contender.
Young contended that Manning possesses the qualities required of a signal-caller to lead his team to success. “I think that they can (win the championship),” Young said. “‘Will they?’ is always gonna be an open question.” This uncertainty is what makes college football so thrilling—anything can happen on any given Saturday.
Texas Longhorns: A Championship Contender?
As the Longhorns prepare for the future, the question remains: can they secure a national championship? With the right pieces in place, including a talented quarterback like Manning, Texas has the potential to make a serious run. Young’s analysis suggests that the Longhorns are on the right path, but the road to the championship will be filled with challenges.
In conclusion, the excitement surrounding Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns is palpable. With Ewers moving on to the NFL, Manning’s ascension to starting quarterback marks a new chapter for the program. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he will perform in the upcoming season and whether he can lead Texas back to glory. The future looks bright, and the Longhorns are ready to make their mark on college football once again.
