Arch Manning’s 2025 Challenge: Can He Surpass the Sky-High Expectations?

The Arch Manning Era Begins: Sky-High Expectations Await Texas’ New QB1

As Quinn Ewers declares for the NFL Draft after three seasons as the Texas Longhorns’ starting quarterback, the spotlight shifts to Arch Manning, heralding a new chapter for the program.

When the Longhorns take the field in Columbus next fall for a much-anticipated rematch against the Ohio State Buckeyes, Manning will make his debut as Texas’ undisputed QB1. And with that, a tidal wave of expectations will crash upon his shoulders.

A Legacy of Pressure and Promise

Manning, a member of football royalty and one of the most hyped recruits in recent memory, is no stranger to the weight of expectations. Even before arriving in Austin, his name carried immense gravity. But now, with just two starts and fewer than 100 career pass attempts, the anticipation surrounding Manning has reached fever pitch.

Already, Manning is a front-runner for the 2025 Heisman Trophy. Bleacher Report has labeled him as the best college football athlete of the next 25 years, and Texas is being touted as a way-too-early preseason No. 1 team and a national title favorite—all before the Longhorns’ 2024 season officially concluded. Projections even place Manning as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

But can Manning live up to the hype? Or perhaps a more pertinent question: Is it even possible to meet such lofty expectations?

The Shadow of Perfection

The standard set for Manning is unprecedented, even by Texas Longhorns’ standards. Fans are infamous for their high expectations, which may border on the unattainable. Consider the case of Quinn Ewers, who delivered one of the best seasons in school history in 2024—throwing for nearly 3,500 yards and over 30 touchdowns while leading Texas to its second straight College Football Playoff, an SEC Championship appearance, and victories over Oklahoma and Texas A&M. Yet for many, it wasn’t enough.

Calls for Manning to replace Ewers as the starter began long before the season ended. These are the expectations Manning will face from the first snap in Columbus next season: Heisman trophies, national titles, and shattered school records.

The Challenges Ahead

Meeting these demands will be an uphill battle. Manning inherits an offense undergoing significant change, losing four of five offensive line starters, its top tight end, No. 2 running back, and top three receivers to the NFL Draft. Rebuilding chemistry with a revamped supporting cast will be no small task.

However, if there’s one thing Manning is built for, it’s handling pressure. With Steve Sarkisian guiding him and a spring full of preparation, Manning will have the tools to tune out the noise and focus on leading Texas to glory.

What Success Looks Like

For Manning to meet these sky-high expectations, nothing short of perfection will suffice in the eyes of some. A national championship, a Heisman Trophy, and a rewriting of the Longhorns’ record books seem to be the benchmarks. Anything less, given the hype, could feel like falling short.

But whether or not Manning achieves these feats, he will be at the center of college football’s biggest storylines from August to January. As the Longhorns take aim at a national title, the world will watch every move Manning makes.

One thing is certain: The Arch Manning era has officially begun.

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