Arch Manning is starting to look like the quarterback Texas has been waiting for.
That’s the read coming out of fall camp, where the Longhorns’ starter has been showing more command, more confidence, and more of the kind of edge that turns hype into something real. After a season that fell short of expectations, Manning enters this year with the noise still surrounding him - and he’s responding the way Texas needs him to.
Texas recently put Manning on the mic, and the footage offered a clear look at why he’s being treated like one of college football’s biggest names this season. He was directing teammates where to go, calling out where passes were headed, and keeping the energy up through drills. He looked every bit like the player in charge.
“Ready, ready set” and “That’s butter!” may end up becoming familiar sounds around the Texas offense this fall, especially after Manning kept dropping clean throws to his receivers and smooth handoffs to his backs. Even head coach Steve Sarkisian could be heard reacting to one of the throws, shouting, “Now that is a throw, I’ll take that!”
The on-field work has matched the leadership. Manning has been showing well in practice film all summer, but the latest clips from the past few days have given Texas fans even more to like. At the same time, the quarterback is working with a deeper group around him than he had before.
The Longhorns are leaning on running backs Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown, while wide receivers like Cam Coleman are part of the mix too. Texas also has returning help in wideout Ryan Wingo and center Connor Robertson. The overall picture, at least in camp, is a roster that looks bigger, better, and more mature than it did a few months ago.
For now, the signs are pointing in the right direction. Manning’s leadership, poise, and talent will have to carry through the full season, and he is not the only one under pressure. But as things stand in camp, Texas has reason to feel good about where its quarterback is headed.
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What stands out just as much is what was left off the list. Arch Manning was not named to ESPNs first or second team, even after the kind of statistical season that put him among the more closely watched players in the sport. For Texas, that creates an interesting backdrop heading into SEC play, where the Longhorns are being recognized for their depth and star power, but still have a quarterback whose national placement remains a talking point. [Read more 🡒]
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Now projected as the Jets No. 2 receiver behind Garrett Wilson, Mitchell is also entering a contract year, which only adds to the pressure and the opportunity in front of him. Reports around the team point to growing chemistry with quarterback Geno Smith, and for Texas supporters who have been waiting for his game to catch up to his talent, this feels like the kind of stretch that could finally change the conversation. [Read more 🡒]