Arch Manning Era Begins: Texas QB Takes Center Stage with Big Expectations
Austin, TX – The anticipation was electric when redshirt freshman quarterback Arch Manning first took the field during the 2024-2025 season, and now, with junior quarterback Quinn Ewers officially declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft, the torch has been passed. Manning is set to lead the Longhorns as their starting quarterback, carrying on Texas’ storied tradition of elite signal-callers.
The early flashes of brilliance from Manning were undeniable. In his first relief appearance against UTSA on Sept. 14, he made an immediate statement with a 40-yard bomb to sophomore wide receiver Johntay Cook II, igniting the crowd and giving fans a glimpse of his potential.
But the moment that truly announced Manning’s arrival came during his first significant action against Louisiana-Monroe on Sept. 21. Manning delivered jaw-dropping plays, including a 56-yard strike to junior wide receiver Isaiah Bond on third-and-1 and a 46-yard completion to junior wide receiver Matthew Golden on third-and-10.
The highlights kept coming. In his second start, Manning connected on two touchdown passes—49 and 27 yards—to sophomore wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr., showcasing pinpoint accuracy and a flair for high-pressure moments. On third downs, Manning was nearly flawless, completing 7-of-8 attempts for 106 yards.
Manning isn’t just a threat in the air. His athleticism was on full display with a jaw-dropping 67-yard touchdown run against UTSA, clocking an impressive 20.7 mph. In a critical showdown against Texas A&M, Manning demonstrated his clutch factor, scoring a 15-yard touchdown on fourth-and-2, sending the burnt orange faithful into a frenzy at College Station.
By the end of his sophomore campaign, Manning had amassed nine touchdowns and 939 yards while significantly improving his accuracy, going from a 51.7% completion rate against ULM to an impressive 83.9% against Mississippi State on Sept. 28.
The future of Texas football looks bright beyond Manning as well. The quarterback room boasts rising talents like freshman Trey Owens, four-star recruit KJ Lacey, and five-star 2026 commit Dia Bell. Lacey, the first commitment in Texas’ 2025 class, signed with the Longhorns on Dec. 4, while Bell, Florida’s top-ranked recruit, has been locked in since June 2024.
However, the spotlight is firmly on Manning as Texas looks to move past two consecutive near-misses at a national championship under Ewers. All eyes will be on Aug. 30, when Manning and the Longhorns kick off their season in a blockbuster rematch against reigning national champion Ohio State.
For Longhorns fans, the Arch Manning era is here—and the expectations have never been higher.
