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The Texas Longhorns are officially entering a new era under Arch Manning, who will take over as the team's starting quarterback for the 2025 season. With Quinn Ewers heading to the NFL, Manning now has the opportunity to lead Steve Sarkisian's offense, starting with a high-stakes Week 1 matchup against defending national champion Ohio State.
While Manning's ascension was expected, ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum believes it should have happened sooner. On Tuesday's SportsCenter, Finebaum argued that Manning could have led Texas to the National Championship Game if he had replaced Ewers during the Cotton Bowl loss to Ohio State.
The Longhorns fell 28-14, with Ewers throwing for 283 yards and two touchdowns, but committing two costly turnovers that led directly to Buckeyes' scores late in the fourth quarter. Manning showed flashes of brilliance when replacing an injured Ewers early last season, throwing for 806 yards, eight touchdowns, and two rushing scores in three victories.
A lot to evaluate still
Despite his potential, he has yet to take meaningful snaps against a top contender, making his season-opening test against Ohio State a pivotal moment in his collegiate career. Finebaum has been vocal about his expectations for Manning, predicting a future Heisman Trophy and comparing his potential impact to that of two-time national champion Tim Tebow.
Now, Manning has the chance to prove Finebaum right as he prepares to face the Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on August 30, in what will be his biggest challenge yet. With Texas aiming for another College Football Playoff run, all eyes will be on Manning to see if he can deliver on the hype.
His ability to step up in pressure-filled moments could determine whether Texas solidifies itself as a title contender or struggles to adjust to life without Ewers. Regardless of the outcome, Manning's debut as the Longhorns' leader is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated moments of the 2025 college football season.