Arch Manning is the name that’ll be ringing through every stadium speaker when Texas takes its first snap of the 2025 season. He’s finally stepping into the spotlight, ready to carve out his own path after waiting patiently behind Quinn Ewers. But somehow, some way, ESPN decided to act like he’s just another guy. But boy, the internet did not let that slide.

If Arch’s last name wasn’t Manning, would people still be talking about him? Maybe not as much, but let’s be real—this guy has been putting in the work. He could’ve taken the easy route and transferred somewhere he’d be guaranteed the starting job, but nah. Arch stayed in Austin, stuck to his word, and now it’s his time. Even Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said it himself: “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.”

But apparently, ESPN and Adam Rittenberg didn’t get the memo. The sports network dropped a so-called “expert” ranking of the top 15 QBs for 2025, compiled after getting input from “more than a dozen coaches and defensive coordinators.” Sounds legit, right? Wrong. Because these same “experts” put Arch Manning at No. 12. Yes, the same Arch Manning who has the second-best Heisman odds (+900), just behind Cade Klubnik (+800). The same Arch Manning who showed flashes of stardom whenever he touched the field last season. And yet, Adam Rittenberg had the nerve to put him outside the top 10 like he’s some backup riding the bench? Make it make sense.

The disrespect is even crazier when you look at the state of Texas’ 2025 roster. With Quinn Ewers off to the NFL, the Longhorns are upgrading at QB, not downgrading. Sure, the receiving corps is going through some changes—guys like Matthew Golden and Isiah Bond Jr. are out, but young studs like Ryan Wingo and DeAndre Moore Jr. are stepping up for big reps. And let’s not forget about Kaliq Lockett and Parker Livingstone, who could turn into Manning’s go-to weapons. But despite all that, Texas is still topping the way-too-early rankings, and why? Because analysts know Arch Manning is about to elevate this team.

But ESPN? They threw logic out the window and put him 12th. So when that nonsense hit Instagram, college football fans, especially those in the Longhorn Nation, weren’t about to let it slide.

Netizens straight-up weren’t letting that Arch Manning disrespect fly

Once ESPN posted that ranking on IG, Longhorn fans and college football diehards grabbed their digital pitchforks and swarmed the comments section. The people had spoken, and they weren’t holding back.

Fans started with: “The fall of ESPN should be documented because no way Arch is 12.” This one hit straight to the heart of the issue. ESPN has been on a steady decline when it comes to quality takes, but this? This might be a new low. Texas fans have been waiting forever for a mobile QB after watching Quinn Ewers stand like a statue in the pocket. Now they finally have one, and ESPN acts like it’s nothing? Get outta here.

One user chimed in with, “Holy Moly, Arch got done dirty 😭.” You know it’s bad when even non-Texas fans are shedding tears over the disrespect. This wasn’t just a minor snub—this was a straight-up robbery. Manning’s stats don’t lie. In limited action last season, he completed 61 of 90 passes for 939 yards, 9 touchdowns, and only two picks, rocking a 67.8% completion rate. His best game? Against Mississippi State, where he went 26-for-31 for 325 yards and 2 TDs. And somehow, he’s not a top-10 quarterback? That’s crazy.

Longhorn fans are playing the long game, and honestly, they might be onto something: “Saving this for when Manning wins the Heisman.” Arch already has the second-best Heisman odds behind Cade Klubnik. If he starts strong and Texas makes a legitimate Playoff run, don’t act surprised when this ranking ages like spoiled milk. And when does Manning hoist that trophy? Best believe this fan is pulling receipts.

The next user commented, “Not even a Texas fan, but Arch at 12 is crazyyyyy. He’s top 5 easy.” You know the ranking is unreal when even neutral fans are speaking up. This isn’t just burnt-orange bias—college football fans from all over see the disrespect plain as day. Look, if you watched Manning’s limited snaps last season, you know he’s at least a top 5 QB. Even if you didn’t, the fact that Vegas has him second in Heisman odds should tell you everything you need to know.

The last fan commented, “Fire whoever made this list.” No arguments here. Adam Rittenberg needs to explain him because there’s no logical reason for Arch Manning to be this low. Look, at the end of the day, ESPN’s quarterback rankings are nothing but clickbait disguised as analysis. Arch Manning didn’t play much in 2024, but when he did, he made it count. The kid’s got a rocket arm, solid accuracy, and legit mobility—something Texas has desperately needed. The Longhorns are primed for a big season, and Manning is at the center of it all. But instead of giving him his flowers, ESPN hit him with a ranking that makes zero sense.

Longhorn fans and college football heads weren’t going to let that disrespect go unchecked, and rightfully so. Manning’s got all the tools to be a star, and when he proves the doubters wrong this season, ESPN better be ready to eat their words. And when he’s in New York for the Heisman ceremony? Yeah, we’ll be right there, pulling up this ranking, laughing all the way to the bank.