Arch Manning is who people are going to talk about when Texas makes its first play in the 2025 season. The star player is finally looking to get his college career rolling in his third year with the Longhorns. Steve Sarkisian himself said, “He’s been patient. How many people have come after him from other schools to get him to transfer? He’s stayed the course and stayed true to his word, so we’re pumped about him.” Arch Manning played in a limited capacity last season. But it was enough to tell the world that he’s exactly the star people are making him to be. Surprisingly, ESPN thought otherwise and is now struggling to undo its mistake.

If at all people think Manning’s family name was an impacting factor, he wouldn’t have sat out two years behind Quinn Ewers. Only after Quinn Ewers‘s injury during the UTSA game did Manning demonstrate his capabilities. The 5 total touchdowns he made in that game had everyone in awe of his talent. It wasn’t just the ‘Manning’ name coming into play here. Some analysts are already picking which NFL team could draft the Texas star. Then there’s ESPN regarding Manning not being of much promise at all.

On March 26, Matt Rittenberg published ESPN’s list of 2025’s top 15 college football QBs. According to him, the list was compiled after getting the learned opinion of “more than a dozen coaches and defensive coordinators who studied the top contenders last season.” But one might not believe that right off the bat. That’s because more than a dozen coaches can’t place Manning at the 12 position on the list. You read that right. It’s absurd how Manning made it to below 10 places when, clearly, he’s one of the most promising players out there. This is regarded as a disrespect to the young star, forcing ESPN into damage control.

Just a few days ago, the publication shared 18 minutes’ worth of Arch Manning football on YouTube. Now, in an April 2 video, Greg McElroy made another attempt to save ESPN’s face. The former NFL quarterback launched into a high praise of his family name. “That family legacy is outrageous, is it not? He has the weight of the world on his shoulders as a result of what came before him.”  

“So, when you go out there and you take center stage at a place like Texas, all eyes are going to be on you. And if you listen to the early reports out of spring football, Arch is lighting it up.” And he sure was lighting it up, working every bit of the arm power he had.

McElroy also said that the two years he spent behind Ewers only added to his prowess today. “[H]e gets an entire off season in year number three to be the starting quarterback and to develop chemistry and continuity with a really talented supporting cast.” The commentator then brought up a personal aspect. “If I had a son and I were trying to make sure that my son was put in the best possible situation to find success, I would say, let’s follow the Arch Manning blueprint.”

Steve Sarkisian bagged the most high-profile player in college football currently. But Sarkisian, just like everyone else, knows what Manning will bring to the table. The HC is training him just like any other starting QB, and it shows. Perhaps it’s the family blood, or maybe it’s just Manning himself. But there’s no denying that the new Texas QB is going to make heads turn in the 2025 season.

Arch Manning aside, Steve Sarkisian has other things to look after

Sarkisian knows that Arch Manning is just one piece of his strategy for this season. As his star QB preps to make the most out of the upcoming season, the HC has a worrying update from spring camp. Current TE1 Jordan Washington suffered a shoulder injury during practice. He will, unfortunately, be unavailable for the rest of spring practice so that he’s all well by summer and fall. “He’ll be ready,” a source told 247Sports. Thankfully, he won’t be requiring surgery.

Washington was one of the hopefuls to fill in the empty spots left by Gunnar Helm, Juan Davis, and Amari Niblack, who went to Texas A&M. He was to have an important position amidst a TE room that includes Spencer Shannon and recruit Nick Townsend. Gabe Brooks of 247Sports made the following analysis before his recruitment. “Requisite height with lean, long-armed build that provides a large catch radius. Experience flexed out as a receiver and lined up at H-back. Plays with encouraging conviction as a blocker. Displays good body control when engaged, even when assigned to a heavier defender. Dangerous vertical threat thanks to size and athleticism.” TE coach Jeff Banks had said once, “Jordan [Washington] is kind of the wild card.” With him gone, Sarkisian is lacking a key figure in the O-line, which could hamper his targets for the 2025 season.

Despite football fans making Texas all about Arch Manning, Sarkisian sure knows how much more needs to be worked on. Manning knows better, as does the HC. Texas still has a large ground to cover, even if they have the best weapon there is in their arsenal.