In a major development for the Texas Longhorns, Arch Manning is set to take over as the starting quarterback for the upcoming season. Manning, the highly anticipated nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, and grandson of Archie Manning, was the No. 1 recruit in the 2023 class (247Sports). After spending his freshman year as a backup to Quinn Ewers—mostly coming in during short-yardage or injury situations during Texas’ College Football Playoff semifinal runs—Manning is now ready to step into the starting role.
In a “way-too-early” top 10 rankings segment on his podcast, The Joel Klatt Show, Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt not only placed Texas at No. 2 for next season but also shared his thoughts on what fans can expect from Manning and the Longhorns’ offense.
With four of Texas’ five starting offensive linemen declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft, there were concerns about how the offensive line would fare. However, Klatt doesn’t see it as a major issue. He pointed out that with Manning, who has the ability to run, and an “elite-level running back” in Cedric “CJ” Baxter Jr., Texas should be able to overcome the offensive line changes.

“I don’t think it’s going to be quite as big of an issue when your quarterback can run and you’ve got an elite-level running back,” Klatt said. “I don’t think it’s going to be quite as big of an impact losing some of those offensive linemen as maybe some think, but I look at this Texas team, and I think that they’re going to be fantastic.”
In his first two seasons, Manning has completed 63 of 90 passes for 969 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions, showing flashes of his potential. Meanwhile, Baxter, who missed the 2024 season due to injury, impressed during his freshman campaign in 2023, rushing for 659 yards and five touchdowns on 138 carries.