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Arch Manning, the highly touted freshman with the Texas Longhorns, is already facing high expectations ahead of the 2025/26 NCAA season and one critic went in hard on the 19-year-old, suggesting he's not even a Top 10 quarterback in college football.
Arch comes from a family legacy including NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning so the pressure on the young player to live up to his name is immense.
However, despite some impressive stats in his debut season in limited appearances behind Quinn Ewers, critics are questioning whether Manning truly deserves the hype surrounding his arrival.
Last season, Manning had a chance to step into the spotlight with Texas when Ewers suffered an injury setback and over the course of 10 games, he started twice and led the Longhorns to victories in both.
His performance included 61 completions out of 90 attempts, 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions.
He also added 108 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground, showcasing a well-rounded skill set. However, not everyone is convinced that Manning is among the top-tier quarterbacks in college football.
"I don't think he's a top five quarterback in college football," Dave Pollack said on his College Football show. "I just don't see him being the best.
"I don't see him jumping in there, and all of a sudden you go, 'Holy cow, like he's a can't-miss guy. He's the Heisman Trophy winner.'"
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Pollack went on to suggest that quarterbacks like Cade Klubnik, Drew Allar, Garrett Nussmeier, and Nico Iamaleava could outperform Manning in the future, adding further fuel to the debate.
With multiple quarterbacks in the SEC and beyond gaining traction, Manning's journey to being considered a top contender remains unclear.
However, despite these critiques, Manning's potential is still widely recognized. The former Heisman Trophy winner, Johnny Manziel, has praised the teenager's growth through limited appearances.
"That's my guy," Manziel said to media, as per Chron. "He's been playing really, really well, especially throughout this year, I think he grew a lot.
"If he keeps stringing it together, that guy's going to be a really good player for sure. Just his ability to use his legs, and he's getting more polished as a er as well. He has a lot of good qualities you want to see in a quarterback."
In fact, ESPN BET lists Manning as a +700 favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, placing him ahead of other promising players like Garrett Nussmeier (+800).
With all eyes on Manning, the season opener against Ohio State on August 30, 2025, will be a pivotal moment in proving whether he can live up to his family's legacy and his own potential.