The last name alone commands attention, bringing with it the weight of expectations, the whispers of legacy, and the unavoidable comparisons of two of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game. Arch Manning never needed an introduction. But for all the hype, all the five-star labels, and all the premature declarations of his inevitable greatness, Manning has had to wait his turn at Texas. He watched and learned, and now—finally—he will officially get the keys to Steve Sarkisian’s offense. And the early returns? Let’s just say they’re already shaking up the dynamic in Austin in ways that extend far beyond the field.

The shift in Texas’ locker room dynamic has been noticeable, and it’s not just a media creation. As fans clamored for the son of Cooper and nephew of Peyton and Eli to get more playing time, he instead worked to earn not only the trust of his coaches but also his teammates. According to NFL Rookie Watch, Arch Manning is already making waves as a “vocal leader” at QB1, something that caught the team by surprise after Quinn Ewers’ quieter, more reserved approach. “Arch Manning is reportedly creating a ‘whole new locker room vibe’ as Texas’ QB1,” the report stated, highlighting how players weren’t used to a quarterback taking command quite like this. For a program that has been searching for that alpha presence under center, this isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a cultural shift.

It also paints an interesting contrast to Quinn Ewers, whose draft stock has taken a hit after an underwhelming pre-draft process. Once considered a potential top-10 pick, Ewers has slipped to a projected Day 2 selection after a disappointing Senior Bowl showing—one he was forced to sit out due to injury. The questions surrounded him whether he can be the guy that an NFL franchise rallies around. Steve Sarkisian did everything he could to prop up Ewers’ draft case, “This guy’s had to persevere. He’s been through a lot, he’s been through some injuries, and every time he shows up, and he’s always played his best when his best was needed.”

That “something” is exactly what Manning seems to be bringing to the table. Sarkisian, in an interview with Kay Adams on Up and Adams, laid it out in simple terms: leadership isn’t about statistics or arm strength—it’s about belief. “A quarterback’s real job is to instill belief in his teammates, instill belief in the coaches, instill belief in an organization, and then, instill belief in a fan base,” Sarkisian said. “And Arch does all those things. Like, hey, here he is. Again, it’s not because of the name. It’s who he is on a regular basis.” That’s a telling statement from a coach who has seen plenty of highly rated quarterbacks wilt under the spotlight.

And maybe that’s been the most overlooked part of Manning’s rise—he hasn’t tried to skip steps. Despite his famous lineage, he never carried himself like someone entitled to the throne. He sat, learned, and earned his place the old-school way. That approach hasn’t just won over the locker room; it has paved the way for Texas to smoothly transition into the post-Ewers era.

The Longhorns are coming off a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance, and expectations remain sky-high heading into 2025. That means Manning won’t just be a feel-good story—he’ll be the face of a program with legitimate championship aspirations.

It all starts with a baptism by fire in the season opener against Ohio State, a game that will offer an immediate test of just how ready he is for the moment…

Paul Finebaum turns head with this Arch Manning comparison

The Arch Manning era is officially here, and ESPN’s Paul Finebaum is buying all the stock he can. Now that Steve Sarkisian is finally handing the keys to the Texas offense over to Manning, Finebaum believes we’re about to witness something truly special—and he’s not afraid to make some bold comparisons.

Heisman Trophy-winning QBs. Tim Tebow. “I believe that not since Tim Tebow have we had something that is aligned with Arch Manning,” Finebaum told On3.com. “The expectations are going to be as wild as we’ve ever seen, or at least since [Johnny] Manziel or Tim Tebow.”

That’s some elite company, and with today’s social media frenzy, Finebaum thinks the hype around Arch might be even bigger than it was for those guys. “Maybe worse because of the current state of the media with social media,” he added.

Finebaum even had the chance to speak with Archie Manning recently and came away convinced that no player has ever been more prepared for the moment Arch is stepping into. “I talked to his grandfather recently when we were in New Orleans, and I think there’s never been a player more prepared and ready for what he’s about to face.”