The Heisman and the NFL Draft? Always a QB carousel—round and round they go. But 2024 was epic. Travis Hunter, the two-way phenom from Colorado, snagged the Heisman in a nail-biter against Boise State’s RB Ashton Jeanty. Talk about a race for the ages. Now, we’re already looking ahead to 2025, and the QB carousel is back in action. Big names like Penn State’s Drew Allar, Texas’s Arch Manning, and Oklahoma’s John Mateer are all in the mix. But here’s the kicker: Arch Manning’s family name is a double-edged sword. Will it be his golden ticket to the Heisman, or will it be a millstone around his neck?

Well, Manning is set to take the reins as Austin’s QB, with Quinn Ewers out of the picture. And that puts him in prime position for the 2025 Heisman race. But thanks to Ewers’ injury last season, Manning got a chance to shine, and he didn’t waste it. Manning saw action in ten games this season, even starting two (and winning both). With Ewers out, Manning put up some solid numbers: 61 completions out of 90 attempts for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and only two interceptions. He also added 108 rushing yards and four more scores on the ground. So, the spotlight is now on him, and the pressure to shine has never been higher.

And right on cue, College Football just dropped a Manning bombshell!

On Feb 18, the official CFB IG account posted: “Arch Manning is the early Heisman favorite with +700 odds to win🔥.” Talk about a milestone moment. Well, the last Longhorn to snag the Heisman was the legendary Ricky Williams in 1998. As of now, the real question is: Will Arch follow in his footsteps and take home the trophy in 2025? Not sure. But here’s the catch—some fans aren’t buying it. With the nepotism claims swirling, many feel there are other, more deserving players.

However, some coaches and legends are still singing Arch Manning’s praises. Longhorns HC Sarkisian says he’s “a great leader” with “maturity and poise,” and GOAT Nick Saban even called him “a special talent, and he’s got all the tools to be one of the best quarterbacks to come out in a long time.“ Sounds impressive, right? But some fans aren’t convinced. They’re throwing around the nepotism label, and it’s definitely casting a shadow.

Arch Manning faces intense criticism

We all know the deal—Arch Manning is carrying the legendary torch of one of football’s most iconic families. The Mannings! His grandpa, Archie, was a star QB for the Saints, and his uncles, Peyton and Eli, cemented their legacies in the NFL history books. Peyton delivered a Super Bowl win to the Colts and secured his Hall of Fame spot, while Eli bagged two Super Bowl MVPs, carving out his own lane.

Now, it’s Arch’s turn to step into the spotlight. But can he handle the weight of that name? One blunt IG user didn’t hold back: “He better thank his uncles for this 😭😭.”

Well, the 19-year-old just landed a massive NIL deal with Red Bull and stands tall with a $6.5M NIL valuation. And yeah, let’s be real—that last name didn’t hurt. Sound familiar? That’s because Shedeur Sanders sat atop the NIL throne last season with the same $6.5M valuation. And, of course, the boldest of critics chimed in with takes like: “If his last name wasn’t Manning, he’d be D3 at best.”

Harsh? Maybe. But this is what comes with the territory. Arch’s Heisman hype is a double-edged sword—his family legacy is both his biggest blessing and his toughest curse. And the fans? They don’t sugarcoat a thing. One fired off: “Last name carries way too much weight.”

But before we get carried away, let’s not forget even Tom Brady himself had high praise: “Arch Manning has the pedigree, the skills, and the mindset to be a game-changer. He’s one of the top prospects I’ve seen in a long time.”

Still, not everyone’s convinced. One Texas fan quickly shifted the conversation to Jeremiah Smith, who put up video-game numbers—seven catches, 187 yards, two touchdowns, and a new school record as a freshman. Oh, and he just so happened to be named Rose Bowl Offensive MVP. That same fan couldn’t resist stirring the pot: “As a Texas fan Jeremiah Smith.”

And then, of course, the SEC debate took center stage: “What a joke, not even the best QB in the SEC.” Hard to argue when names like Nico Iamaleava, LaNorris Sellers, and Garrett Nussmeier are proving their worth. And let’s not forget LSU’s senior QB, returning with a $3.6M NIL valuation and +800 Heisman odds. Looks dull in front of the Manning kid right?

Now the debate isn’t dying down anytime soon. But if Arch silences the doubters and delivers when it matters most? The crown will be his for the taking.