Arch Manning Era Begins at Texas: Is the Next NFL Superstar in the Making?
The wait is over for Arch Manning, who will take over as the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns in 2025. With Quinn Ewers declaring for the NFL Draft just over a week ago, all eyes are now on Manning as he steps into the spotlight after two years of preparation.
Manning redshirted his freshman year and served as Ewers’ backup this past season, but his limited playing time has already showcased flashes of his immense potential. Manning started two games in 2024 when Ewers was sidelined due to injury and was utilized in key red-zone situations. His stats speak for themselves: completing 61-of-90 passes for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions, while adding 108 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
Despite calls from fans throughout the season to elevate Manning to the starting role, Texas opted to stick with the experienced Ewers. But now, it’s Manning’s team, and the expectations couldn’t be higher.
With the 2025 NFL Draft just months away, experts are buzzing about future draft projections. While Manning isn’t yet eligible—he needs one more year of college football to meet the requirement—some are already imagining where he’d land if he were draft-eligible now.
Fox Sports draft analyst Rob Rang stirred the conversation by releasing a 2025 first-round mock draft that included both eligible and underclassman players. At the top of his list? Arch Manning, going No. 1 overall to the Tennessee Titans.
“While the sample size is undeniably tiny, Manning has already demonstrated the requisite size, arm strength, accuracy, and athleticism to project as a future NFL star, like his famous uncles and grandfather,” Rang wrote.
As the No. 1 overall prospect in the class of 2023 and a former five-star recruit, Manning carries the weight of a football dynasty. He’s the nephew of NFL legends Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, and the grandson of Archie Manning, making his football pedigree unmatched.
The real test begins on August 30, 2025, when Manning will lead the Longhorns in a high-stakes rematch against the Ohio State Buckeyes, the reigning College Football Playoff national champions. The two teams last faced off in a nail-biting CFP semifinal on January 10, and Manning’s debut as the starter will set the tone for a season filled with anticipation and high expectations.
As the Longhorns prepare for the Arch Manning era, the question remains: will he live up to the family name and carve out his own path to greatness? One thing is certain—college football fans won’t want to miss what’s next.