Arch Manning Named to Davey O’Brien Award’s Postseason Great 8 After Breakout Season
Arch Manning’s redshirt sophomore campaign just got another stamp of approval. The Texas quarterback has been named to the Davey O’Brien Award’s Postseason Great 8 - a nod that places him among the top-performing quarterbacks in the country during the postseason stretch.
Manning joins an intriguing group that includes Miami’s Carson Beck, Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss, Utah’s Devon Dampier, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, Oregon’s Dante Moore, TCU’s Ken Seals, and Houston’s Conner Weigman. All eight were part of the 15 finalists previously recognized by the Davey O’Brien Foundation, but this latest honor narrows the field to those who truly stood out when it mattered most.
For Manning, this is more than just another line on the résumé. It’s a tangible sign of his growth and poise under pressure. After spending his freshman year behind the scenes and using his redshirt season to develop, the former five-star recruit stepped into the spotlight this year and delivered when the lights were brightest.
Texas leaned on Manning’s arm and decision-making late in the season, and he responded with the kind of command you want from your quarterback - especially in big moments. Whether it was extending plays with his legs or hitting tight windows downfield, Manning looked every bit the part of a future star. The Postseason Great 8 recognition reflects that evolution.
This honor also speaks to the broader momentum building in Austin. Manning’s emergence is just one piece of a bigger puzzle for the Longhorns, who are seeing talent rise across the board. From the trenches to the secondary, there’s a sense that Texas is assembling the kind of roster that can make real noise in the SEC.
And while Manning’s name carries weight - yes, the family legacy is always going to be part of the story - what he’s doing on the field is starting to speak louder than the name on the back of the jersey. This postseason accolade is earned, not inherited.
As Texas continues to push for national relevance, having a quarterback like Manning taking steps forward is critical. He’s not just managing games - he’s starting to take control of them. And if this postseason stretch is any indication, he might just be scratching the surface of what he can become.
The Davey O’Brien Award may not be the final stop for Manning’s trophy case, but being named to the Postseason Great 8 is a clear sign: he’s on the right track, and the college football world is taking notice.