Just a short time ago, Arch Manning was considered one of the most coveted high school football recruits in recent memory. Choosing Austin as his destination, he brought considerable promise—and a recognizable family name—to the Texas Longhorns.
With Quinn Ewers’ departure for the NFL, a path cleared for Manning to potentially assume the starting quarterback position at Texas by 2025.
As college spring games commence nationwide, ESPN analyst Rece Davis offered an intriguing forecast regarding Manning’s future impact on the sport. He posited that the rising anticipation around Manning could lead to him being perceived as a polarizing figure – embraced by some and resented by others.
“It’s an unfortunate dynamic,” Davis observed during a recent appearance on the “College GameDay Podcast.” “Due to the attention he will inevitably receive, he’ll be a fan favorite for teams outside of Texas. However, for those same fans elsewhere, he’s likely to become the ultimate villain – and I’m not just referring to Oklahoma supporters.”
Davis drew parallels between Manning’s anticipated reception and the common phenomenon surrounding highly successful films or television series: widespread enthusiasm often accompanied by a vocal contingent of detractors.
“We’re going to see that exact scenario play out with Arch,” Davis predicted.
During his freshman season, Manning saw action in ten games, including two starts while Ewers was sidelined. He concluded the year with impressive statistics:
- 939 passing yards
- Nine touchdowns
- Two interceptions
The Longhorns enjoyed a strong postseason run last season, defeating Clemson in the first round of the College Football Playoff and securing an overtime victory against Arizona State. Their playoff journey ultimately concluded with a loss to Ohio State, who went on to claim the national championship.
Texas will begin their 2025 campaign facing off against Ohio State in Columbus on August 30th.
As one commentator noted:
“The stage is set for a captivating and potentially contentious journey for Arch Manning as he steps into the spotlight.”
