The Quinn Ewers vs. Arch Manning debate has officially been over now in Austin. As soon as Quinn left for the NFL, he passed the torch to the widely regarded poster boy of the Longhorns, Arch Manning. The certified blueblood of the program, who derives his last name from the eminent NFL family (grandson of Archie Manning, nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning), has showcased a strong glimpse of his skill and talents when Quinn Ewers was injured in the 2024 season. The fanfare couldn’t get to have it more than ever since, and finally. It’s time.

When Texas opens the 2025 season on Aug. 30 at Ohio State, Manning is expected to be under center. But now with this, the looming concern seems to be whether or not Manning can live up to the expectation in his first year as a starter. The latest Nico Iamaleava connection from the insider’s book made the fear even worse.

Nico Iamaleava’s past brings more reality checks to Arch Manning

Arch Manning in Texas is more like a fascinating daydream that we like to never wake up from. He didn’t even do anything to prove he’s for real. Indeed, despite his impressive performance of 63-of-95 passing for 696 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions on the field, it remains unclear whether he can independently lead a team from the frontline. The problem is not that he is not a good quarterback. He certainly is. But to match the unprecedented early hype he received makes it really challenging for the young QB to stand out in his first pivotal year. We have the example of another QB who was in the same boat last year—Nico Iamaleava of Tennessee. He couldn’t do as much as he was expected to. It was again an early hype that made things look worse than they were.

”The one thing you don’t want to happen, though, CJ is, you know, Nico Iamaleava had big-time buildup, too; he was the eight million dollar quarterback again, we had been talking about him for three, four, five years because of the recruiting process, and he didn’t play bad last year, but he just, he had these, ‘Man, can Nico win the Heisman his first full year starting?’ and so it’s just really tough to live up to that. So, I’m keeping probably somewhat more realistic expectations than some folks out there,” insider Chris Philips said.

You’d think the connection isn’t there. Well, just like Nico, many analysts are predicting Arch will be in the running for the Heisman Trophy. However, in recent weeks, as programs get clarity around their rosters, analysts have begun to hype up more players. While acknowledging Arch’s hype, Josh Pate listed five quarterbacks who’ll shine in the 2025 season, including Dante Moore, Austin Simmons, and Julian Sayin.

That may be seen as Arch’s Heisman balloon leaking some air, but the hype remains for Arch, a quarterback who is yet to prove himself on the big stage but is still raking in millions in NIL deals. Of course, none of it is his fault. A lot of it has to do with the Manning name and Arch’s high school pursuits. However, there’s more reason to keep it calm.

There has been a debate that Manning doesn’t have a similar team depth to Quinn. Just like Ewers, a series of elite Texas names on the offense, the likes of Jaydon Blue (running back), WRs Matthew Golden and Isaiah Bond, tight end Gunnar Helm, left tackle Kelvin Banks, right tackle Cameron Williams, center Jake Majors, and left guard Hayden Conner, have left the building either for the NFL or the portal. So, it’s clear it won’t be a cakewalk for Manning to win it all.