The burnt orange train eventually came to a halt at a scarlet-red stoplight. It was actually losing steam down the stretch anyway, but it finally met its match. The end of the Texas Longhorns’ season was pretty anticlimactic. However, HC Steve Sarkisian will take solace from their overall year. It was a new era for the program, being their first year in the SEC post-realignment. Now, another fresh wrinkle in this era is imminent. Peep over the horizon, and Arch Manning is standing there, waiting to ascend over Austin after 2 years in the shadows. But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.

On the surface level, it’s all going to plan for Texas. Hand over the quarterbacking reins from Quinn Ewers to Arch Manning for a seamless transition to continue their status as contenders. But things in college football hardly ever work out with this much smoothness and linearity. The transition is bound to throw up some curveballs. As many snaps as Manning has played in his time as the understudy, becoming the starter comes with its own baggage and onus. The name carries a certain weight to it, and so does the Longhorns’ QB1 shirt. There is more to being a Manning than just throwing darts to your receivers. The intangibles, particularly leadership, also have to come through. A couple of Texas insiders and fans are not absolving Arch or any responsibility, no matter his inexperience.

Over the “On Texas Football” YouTube channel, host Gerry Hamilton raised a fair yet challenging responsibility that now falls on Arch Manning. Especially since he’s been in the building for 2 years already. “[Manning is] studying everything from a professional level to be ready to be the starting quarterback in Texas,” said Hamilton. “So what does that mean? Even though you’re not on the field, you’re observing. You know what button to push with Ryan Wingo. You know what button to push DeAndre Moore. It’s probably a different button. These guys have different personalities. You may know which receiver is an audio learner versus a visual learner.” Hamilton proceeded to lay what may come across as an indictment but is just the expectation.

“If you’re really doing your job in your time, while you’re developing, you’re sitting there watching these guys. That’s all part of leadership.” Most offenses that go through a change at QB are afforded time for growing pains and chemistry-building. However, Arch Manning has to hit the ground running, both figuratively and literally. His prowess with scrambling and designed runs will allow him more ways to open up defenses while he gets his passing game going. All that while, he’ll need to spearhead this blueblood program from a leadership standpoint. Welcome to the big-boy table, Arch! Ironically, his father, Cooper Manning, has also sent him a welcome message. One that also doubles as a bit of a cautionary warning that’s particularly resounding in the wake of his newfound NIL riches with Red Bull.

Speaking with Dan Patrick, Cooper said, “If you start having some success, it could cannibalize your being able to do something bigger. You did a little dinky deal here, and that’s going to hurt you for doing something bigger. So I would say just pick your spots carefully and worry about the craft.” That’s profound advice for any young player stepping into college within the current era. However, it’s especially profound for a player like Arch Manning with the world at his feet, having waited patiently for his opportunity. His coach, Steve Sarkisian, is providing all the ancillary help to make the process of Arch’s development and, by extension, his team’s success airtight.

Steve Sarkisian’s latest acquisition should put a battery up Arch Manning’s back

Every program needs an influx of hometown players that get the culture. Ones that spur no need to instill it artificially. One prospect, who’s got burnt orange blood coursing through his veins, has just joined Sark’s Longhorns. Luke Dunham from Austin (Texas) MacCallum comes in as a preferred walk-on to be the 4th-string quarterback. Now he’s got over 3000 yards in high school. But a recruit coming in as QB4 usually wouldn’t make for groundbreaking news. The story of Dunham’s traversal to UT-A is special, though.

“I was born and raised in Austin by parents who met at [the university. So it’s always been my dream to play football here,” said Luke Dunham upon joining. “Seeing what Coach Sarkisian has accomplished with the program and where it’s heading, I believe there’s no better place to develop as a quarterback and chase a national championship.” Dunham may not get his chance under the Sun and under the center to directly influence a Natty. However, he can affect it indirectly by permeating his own fire growing up as a Texas fan into Arch Manning. “I hope to come in and enhance the winning culture in the locker room,” Dunham said. “I’m excited to add depth to a really talented quarterback room and will do anything to help us win in the fall.”

Heavy is the head that wears the crown. Arch Manning has worn a proverbial crown since the moment he stepped onto campus. Now, it’s time to live up to the billing. He’s got the tools and the know-how. But meshing the two with pomp will dictate whether the footballing sphere was correct in, somewhat prematurely, putting Arch on a bit of a pedestal. The pressure is only going to ramp up. So is the responsibility of carrying a fabled program and just a fabled last name.