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The Texas Longhorns are entering a new era with Arch Manning at the helm. After back-to-back semifinal exits, Texas is now focused on the 2025 season with Manning as the starting quarterback. With one of the most famous last names in football, Manning comes with immense expectations. He got a taste of the spotlight last season when he took over for Quinn Ewers and led the team to two wins. Now he faces the challenge of proving that he is more than just his family's legacy. His NIL valuation currently sits at $6.5 million, the highest in college sports, and could climb to $8-9 million by the start of the season. But money and hype won't win championships - Manning will have to prove himself on the field, especially with Texas facing one of the toughest schedules in the nation.
Sarkisian Reflects on Manning's Unique Recruitment
With the rise of NIL deals, the recruiting process has changed drastically. Top prospects now come with high demands, often asking for cars, houses and private flights before committing to a program. However, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian revealed that Arch Manning's recruitment was nothing like that. Speaking on the "Up & Adams" show with Kay Adams, Sarkisian praised Manning's humble approach.
I've recruited a lot of quarterbacks in my time, and they can be tough. But with Arch, it was so normal. Great family, great home life. It was, 'How can I help? What can I do? Can I be a great teammate? Nobody works harder. Not in the weight room, not on the field, not in the classroom.
Unlike many five-star recruits, Manning wasn't focused on personal perks - he was focused on earning his spot at Texas. I mean, he has all the advantages with his uncles to focus on football, imagine any Saturday or Sunday as a kid watching a game, the bell rings, you open the door and is Peyton Manning, that should help. Anyway, as a professional, and at just 19 years old, he'll try to sur his family legacy and create his own. He's already started, as he's already the highest earning college athlete across all sports, a testament to both his talent and the power of the Manning name.
On Sarkisian's experience with elite quarterbacks like Carson Palmer, Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones has prepared him to handle the pressure surrounding Manning. After two years of waiting behind Quinn Ewers, Manning is finally in control of the Longhorns' offense. Despite his famous last name, he hasn't cut corners or demanded special treatment. He has put in the work, learned the system and proven himself in practice. In limited action last season, Manning threw for 969 yards and nine touchdowns while adding 115 rushing yards and four scores on the ground. Now he is ready to show he can lead Texas to its first national championship since 2005.
Longhorns Cant' Wait for the Manning Era
Expectations are high for Manning. He is already projected as a future No. 1 NFL Draft pick, following in the footsteps of his uncles Peyton and Eli. Texas, with a 25-5 record over the past two seasons, enters the year ranked No. 2 behind reigning champion Ohio State. And in a fitting twist, Manning's first start as Texas' QB1 will come against the Buckeyes in Columbus - a chance to prove the hype is justified. The schedule doesn't get any easier from there, with road games against Florida and Georgia testing Manning early. The pressure will be relentless, but that comes with being a Manning in football. If he delivers, he could not only put Texas back on top, but also put himself in position to become the first Longhorns Heisman winner since Ricky Williams in 1998.