Following the Longhorns’ most recent CFP exit, Texas enters the Arch Manning era. Will it live up to the hype? “The Athletic”

When Texas exited the College Football Playoff (CFP) for the umpteenth time in recent years, the hopes of Longhorns fans rested heavily on what’s next. That something is Arch Manning — the highly touted quarterback from a family with a legacy built on throwing the football. The name Manning carries an undeniable weight in the world of college and NFL football. Yet as Arch embarks on his college career in Austin, the question looms: Will this be the time the Longhorns live up to the hype?

The Texas Longhorns have long been a program defined by the promise of greatness, but the past two decades have been marked by inconsistency, underachievement, and missed opportunities. As Texas prepares for the Arch Manning era, a fresh wave of optimism floods the 40 Acres. However, with that optimism comes expectations — the kind that come with a Manning at the helm.

The Manning Legacy: A Double-Edged Sword

Arch Manning’s arrival in Austin is significant not only because of his exceptional skill set but also due to his name. For the last 20 years, the Manning family has been synonymous with football excellence, with his uncle Peyton and his father Eli achieving legendary status in the NFL. Arch’s own high school career, spent at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, was remarkable. He earned widespread recognition not just for his physical abilities, but for his calm demeanor and football IQ — traits that made him a coveted recruit.

But while the Manning name brings an immense amount of attention, it also places a considerable amount of pressure on Arch’s shoulders. He’s not just another 5-star quarterback; he’s the heir to a legacy of NFL quarterbacks. Every pass, every decision, every game will be analyzed through the lens of his famous lineage. The Longhorns have seen other highly-ranked quarterbacks in recent years, yet none have been able to deliver consistent success, leaving fans wondering if Manning can finally be the one to break the cycle.

The Longhorns’ Recent Struggles: A Platform for Growth?

Texas’ football program has been in a perpetual state of rebuilding since the 2009 season, when the Longhorns came within a whisker of winning a national championship. Since then, Texas has seen flashes of brilliance but has largely underperformed on the national stage. Tom Herman’s tenure was marked by some success but ultimately ended with a sense of stagnation. Steve Sarkisian, hired in 2021, arrived with a reputation for developing elite quarterbacks but has yet to guide Texas to the level of consistent championship contention.

In the 2024 season, the Longhorns made another appearance in the College Football Playoff but exited in the semifinals, unable to match up with the more seasoned programs. This marked yet another chapter in Texas’ recent history of falling short despite entering the season with lofty expectations. It’s a pattern that the Longhorns’ faithful are all too familiar with, and it only heightens the anticipation surrounding Arch Manning’s arrival.

Manning will take the reins at a time when the program has solid talent, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Texas returns a talented roster, with a solid offensive line and skill players who can make big plays. Additionally, Sarkisian’s offensive system has been effective at times, and the Longhorns will look to take advantage of Manning’s strengths — his arm talent, his football acumen, and his ability to lead under pressure.

Yet Texas’ ongoing struggles to live up to its potential still persist. The Longhorns have had top-ranked recruiting classes for years, and while their talent pool is deep, something has been missing. Whether it’s been inconsistent quarterback play, lackluster development, or the occasional inability to perform in big moments, the program has consistently fallen short. The addition of Arch Manning has fans hopeful that the solution to these recurring issues lies in his hands.

The Arch Manning Effect: Leadership, Pressure, and Talent

Arch Manning’s entry into the Texas football scene isn’t just about his playing ability. It’s about what he represents — a potential turning point for a program desperate to return to glory. His presence in Austin brings attention from every corner of the football world, from fans to recruits to media outlets. Arch Manning is no ordinary freshman; he’s already a household name before even taking a college snap.

This kind of attention can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, Manning’s legacy and stature can attract more talent to the program, help with recruiting, and provide a stabilizing force for a team that’s been in flux. On the other hand, the pressure to live up to the Manning name can be suffocating. Football fans and analysts alike will scrutinize his every move, and comparisons to his illustrious uncles and grandfather will be inevitable.

One of the biggest challenges for Manning, aside from navigating the weight of expectations, will be learning how to lead a team in a new environment. He’s been a star in high school, but the college game is a different beast entirely. He will face stronger defenses, faster athletes, and more complex schemes. If Manning can successfully manage the mental and emotional challenges that come with this transition, it will go a long way toward determining Texas’ success in the coming years.

But there’s no denying his raw talent. Manning has a natural arm strength that rivals some of the best quarterbacks in college football, and his mobility allows him to extend plays in ways that will make him a nightmare for defenses. Most importantly, he’s been praised for his poise in the pocket — a key quality that will help him adjust to the chaos of college football and potentially avoid some of the mistakes that have plagued recent Longhorn quarterbacks.

Texas’ Recruiting Edge: Is It Enough?

For all the uncertainty surrounding Manning’s potential, Texas’ recruiting efforts under Steve Sarkisian offer a solid foundation for success. In addition to Manning, the Longhorns have amassed one of the top recruiting classes in the country, with standout athletes at nearly every position. Texas has stockpiled elite wide receivers, running backs, and defensive players, all of whom can contribute to a championship run.

The key question will be whether these young players can develop quickly enough to complement Manning’s abilities. Texas will face stiff competition from schools like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State, all of which have consistent recruiting success and championship-caliber programs. The Longhorns can’t afford to rely solely on Manning to carry the team — they need to build around him, developing a cohesive unit that can challenge the nation’s best.

Sarkisian’s ability to develop Manning and the surrounding talent will be crucial. While his offensive mind has been praised, it’s his ability to adapt and improve the team over the course of a season that will define his tenure in Austin. Manning’s success will hinge not only on his own development but also on Sarkisian’s ability to surround him with an effective supporting cast and tailor the offense to his strengths.

The Longhorns’ Road Ahead: Can Texas Finally Break Through?

In many ways, the question of whether Texas can live up to the hype surrounding Arch Manning is still a bit premature. The Longhorns have a long road ahead, and while Manning’s potential is undeniable, his success in Austin won’t be determined by his talent alone. The coaching staff, surrounding players, and the program’s ability to execute at a high level will all play key roles in determining whether the hype surrounding the Manning era is justified.

As the 2025 season approaches, the expectations surrounding Texas football will only continue to grow. Will Arch Manning be the one to finally lead the Longhorns back to national prominence? Can Sarkisian and his coaching staff develop the necessary pieces around him to form a championship-caliber team? Only time will tell, but for now, the hope is that Arch Manning will be the spark that ignites Texas football’s long-awaited return to greatness.

The Arch Manning era may be just beginning, but the eyes of the college football world are already fixated on Austin. Whether Texas can turn its potential into results, and whether Arch Manning can live up to the weight of his family name, will determine the future of the program — and the future of Texas football.