All eyes are on Arch Manning as the Longhorns stand on the cusp of a new era. Quinn Ewers’ legacy is history, and Arch, the most passionate guy on the backup line for over two years, is still a mystery that the Horns need to decode. Indeed, during his limited starting stint last year, the youngest Manning displayed glimpses of brilliance. Look at his dogged composure and deep passes against UL Monroe. Manning is a slayer when it comes to his robust arm. Of course, he wasn’t flawless in the position, but the early build-up speaks enough of what he can do in one year. The Texas locker room (past and present), including former wide receiver Matthew Golden, is excited for the Manning effect in Austin pretty soon.

The Texas offense won’t look the same in 2025. The Quinn Ewers squad looks shattered. During the winter transfer window, Steve Sarkisian let go of a flurry of receivers from his coveted roster. Guys like Johntay Cook, Isaiah Bond, and Adonai Mitchell won’t be there supporting the QB on the field. Some left with a dash-for-cash mindset, while some jumped ship to the draft board. Enter Matthew Golden, the well-rounded pass catcher who won’t be there as a Longhorn this season but still wants his alma mater to shine at its brightest. Can Arch Manning be the light he’s counting on?

Golden led the Texas offense to its current shape. He racked up 49 receptions for 787 yards and eight touchdowns in the 2024 regular season. The 6 ft player is now weighing in on his stock with the Cowboys at No. 12 big time. He just needs some speed to be the ultimate catch for Brian Schottenheimer. But he seems equally enthralled over how Arch comes and re-dignifies the status of the Longhorns in the college football lore.

Matthew Golden appeared on the ‘Up & Adams’ show on April 18th and gave a glimpse of his expectations for the Manning prodigy. “Everything I’ve seen in practice,” Golden said. “You know, he’s the same guy each and every day. He attacks you with a chip on his shoulder. Like, he always has something to prove. The sky is the ceiling for him, and I know he’s gonna do great things this season. So, I can’t wait to look forward to watching him.”

Arch Manning capped off the season with a total of 939 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions under his belt. It’s certainly all glow and glitter for the new Texas de facto starter. But the unprecedented hype of his last name sometimes raised the hair about a potential collapse. After all, the kid is very new to shouldering all the pressure of expectation in one go.

On top of that, Coach Sarkisian isn’t painting the sky scenery red for his new crown jewel.

Steve Sarkisian put Arch Manning on notice ahead of his debut in the new role

One QB, millions of questions. Talent won’t make the cut for a mind-boggling Texas assignment! Clear as a bell! Starting from Arch’s father, Cooper Manning, to the Texas head coach and fans and veterans alike, nobody seemed to mince their words to make the kid feel relaxed. The idea is that it’s always better to know your battle before you sign up. While Sarkisian doesn’t have any doubt about Arch’s leadership and skill, he warned the QB about relentless pressure and the looming red eyes of a brutal schedule.

Steve clearly conveyed that the team can have their back for their new asset on the starting line in case of some initial hiccups, the outside world won’t give a damn. The season opener against the Buckeyes will serve as a crucial challenge for Arch to earn his stripes. Hence, he has no option but to take it seriously as hell right from the start. “He gets hit in the back and things like that. Like he’s learning. And yeah, there’s probably going to be some grace needed. Unfortunately, it’s probably not going to be granted outside of our building. Sarkisian has some roster loopholes to address as well.

Manning is an elite passer, but he needs someone to catch. “I would say the one room that we probably have our biggest question mark in is the tight-end room.” Sarkisian cast doubt on his tight end depth, too. The team currently houses Jordan Washington, who will be a starter, and Spencer Shannon as his deputy. Although the prospect of playing them is intriguing, it’s important to consider their lack of experience. In terms of true freshman talent, the team has 4-star Nick Townsend and 3-star Emaree Winston, but neither of them will leave any impact here and now. It will, nonetheless, be interesting to see how Texas and Arch fill in each other’s needs, continuing the hope for a transition to a breakout year.