The long-awaited season opener between No. 1 Texas and No. 3 Ohio State (Saturday, noon ET, Fox) is almost here, meaning we are getting closer to the much-anticipated debut of Arch Manning as the Longhorns’ full-time starter.
While Manning has made select appearances in blowout games or in relief of former Texas QB Quinn Ewers when he dealt with injuries, his only two starts have come against UL Monroe and Mississippi State last season.
Despite the limited starts and a raucous environment that is sure to await him in Columbus on Saturday, ESPN college football play-by-play announcer Chris Fowler discussed what he feels Manning must do to live up to the hype during a Tuesday appearance on “First Take.”
“I think he’s really well-grounded. I mean, I think he’s got good role models in the family, he was raised right, he’s got a very smart coach,” Fowler said. “What (Steve) Sarkisian says sounds like coach speak, but it’s actually very smart. He’s got a really good team around him. He’s got maybe the best defense in the country. Don’t go to Columbus and try to be Superman. He’s capable. He’s gonna have to make plays in big games. He can do so with the deep ball and with the legs, but just chill. Ease your way in.”
With the strong lineage the 21-year-old comes from as the grandson of former New Orleans Saints QB Archie Manning and nephew of Super Bowl champions Peyton and Eli, many expect him to live up to those lofty expectations instantly.
While Sarkisian has Arch Manning in this position for a reason, he made it clear that he doesn’t want him “to do anything superhuman.” Instead, just “let him go play the way he’s capable of playing.”
As of Tuesday, Manning enters the season as the Heisman favorite (+700), per FanDuel. Heading into a true road environment against a loaded Ohio State defense that features preseason first-team All-American Caleb Downs, some early-season struggles should be expected as he gets some snaps under his belt and gains more experience.
Texas has been a frequent presence in the College Football Playoff lately, losing in the semifinal round each of the last two seasons. Although the national title aspirations remain, a lot of changes have taken place since last season.
Matthew Golden and Isaiah Bond, the team’s top two receivers from the 2024 campaign, are now with the Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns, respectively, while tight end Gunnar Helm is with the Tennessee Titans.
Despite only returning one starter from its offensive line, running backs Quintrevion Wisner and CJ Baxter are back, giving Arch Manning some experience in the backfield. The Longhorns had the second-best defense (15.3 PPG) last season, so the foundation is still there to surround Manning with the talent to be successful.
The recent success and high upside with Arch Manning clearly factored into analyst and former Alabama QB Greg McElroy picking the Longhorns to win the SEC and the national championship this season, going back to the high expectations surrounding the program.
There is no denying the arm talent and pure athleticism that Arch Manning possesses. With a strong defense and challenging atmosphere awaiting him on Saturday, limiting mistakes and not forcing anything when there are no options downfield will be critical as he takes the field as a full-time starter for the first time at Texas.
