Fans will be shocked by Texas’ Arch Manning’s most recent comparison to a past SEC Heisman winner.

Fans Will Be Shocked by Texas’ Arch Manning’s Most Recent Comparison to a Past SEC Heisman Winner

In the world of college football, comparisons are often inevitable, especially when a player has the pedigree and potential of a star like Arch Manning. The nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, and grandson of Hall of Famer Archie Manning, Arch’s legacy has already been set before he even stepped foot on the University of Texas campus. As a top recruit in the 2023 class, Manning quickly garnered the attention of fans, analysts, and media alike. His talent was undeniable, his potential boundless, and the expectations surrounding him were astronomical.

Now, heading into his highly anticipated 2025 season as Texas’ starting quarterback, Manning is being compared to a Heisman-winning quarterback from the SEC — and not just any SEC quarterback, but one whose impact on college football was so profound it helped redefine the game. The comparison that has recently surfaced may surprise some fans, but it is more than warranted when you look at Manning’s style of play, his mentality, and the trajectory of his career thus far.

The player in question? None other than former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2019 and led the Tigers to a national championship. The comparison between Manning and Burrow is a compelling one, and it offers insight into what the future holds for the Texas signal-caller.

The Joe Burrow Phenomenon: A Brief Overview

To understand why Arch Manning is being compared to Joe Burrow, it’s essential to first look at Burrow’s meteoric rise to fame in 2019. When Burrow transferred to LSU from Ohio State, few expected him to become one of the greatest quarterbacks in college football history. In fact, Burrow was often overlooked at the beginning of his LSU career, with the team’s offense struggling to meet the high expectations set by fans and analysts.

But something clicked in 2019. Under the guidance of head coach Ed Orgeron and offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Burrow transformed into a completely different player. His passing accuracy, poise under pressure, and ability to read defenses became unparalleled. Burrow’s decision-making and leadership made LSU’s offense one of the most dynamic in college football, as the Tigers cruised to a national championship, defeating Clemson in the College Football Playoff final.

Burrow’s Heisman-winning season is one that will live in college football lore: 5,671 passing yards, 60 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. His command of the game was unmatched, and his ability to lead his team to victory in clutch situations was a hallmark of his skillset. He became the number one pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, where he would go on to make an immediate impact with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Arch Manning: A Different Start, But A Similar Trajectory?

While it’s clear that Burrow’s rise to prominence came out of nowhere, Arch Manning’s journey to Texas has been marked by immense hype and expectations from the moment he stepped onto the field. Coming from the Manning family, Arch was always going to be under a microscope, but his decision to attend Texas instead of one of the other top programs (such as Alabama or Georgia) only amplified the attention on him. The Longhorns, who have struggled to return to national relevance in recent years, are counting on Manning to lead them back to the top of college football.

Manning’s physical attributes are almost as impressive as his football IQ. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 220 pounds, Manning possesses the ideal frame for a college quarterback. His arm strength is exceptional, and he has a knack for making difficult throws into tight windows. His mobility also sets him apart from some of his predecessors in the Manning family, allowing him to extend plays with his legs while keeping his eyes downfield.

However, it is Manning’s decision-making and ability to command an offense that make the comparison to Burrow especially intriguing. Like Burrow, Manning has demonstrated an uncanny ability to read defenses and make quick, confident decisions in the pocket. He has shown maturity beyond his years, displaying poise in pressure situations and the ability to lead his team to victory in high-stakes moments. These characteristics, combined with his pedigree and work ethic, make him a prime candidate to follow in Burrow’s footsteps.

The Similarities: Leadership, Mentality, and Confidence

What truly stands out when comparing Arch Manning to Joe Burrow is their shared mentality. While Manning is still in the early stages of his college career, he has already shown the kind of leadership that helped Burrow lead LSU to a national title. Both quarterbacks have been described as calm under pressure, with the ability to stay focused in big moments. This mental toughness is a trait that defines elite quarterbacks, and it’s one that Manning seems to possess in spades.

Burrow’s confidence in 2019 was infectious, and his teammates bought into his energy. It was clear that he had a special bond with his teammates, and that his leadership transcended X’s and O’s. Manning, too, has been praised for his ability to connect with his teammates, particularly in terms of building chemistry with his receiving corps. His maturity and leadership abilities were evident from the first time he stepped on campus at Texas, and it’s clear that the Longhorns believe Manning is the right person to bring the program back to glory.

Both quarterbacks also possess an innate ability to stay calm and make the right play when the game is on the line. Burrow’s legendary playoff performance in 2019, particularly his comeback against Alabama, is the kind of moment that Manning will look to replicate in his own career. With a strong supporting cast around him and a coaching staff committed to developing his skills, Manning has the opportunity to do what Burrow did: turn a talented program into a national contender.

The Skill Set: Passing Accuracy, Decision Making, and Mobility

Beyond mentality, another area where Manning and Burrow mirror each other is their skill set. Burrow was known for his exceptional passing accuracy and his ability to throw the ball on time and with precision. He also displayed remarkable decision-making, rarely forcing throws into tight windows and keeping mistakes to a minimum. Manning, similarly, has showcased incredible accuracy during his time at Texas and has the ability to put the ball in tight spots where only his receivers can catch it.

Both quarterbacks excel in the intermediate passing game, consistently hitting their targets between the numbers and downfield. Manning’s accuracy on short-to-medium routes has been a point of emphasis in his development, and it’s a skill that has paid dividends in his early career. While Manning is still learning the nuances of managing an entire offense, his natural ability to make quick reads and get the ball to the right place at the right time is a clear similarity to Burrow’s skill set.

Additionally, Manning’s mobility should not be underestimated. While he may not be as agile as some of the more dual-threat quarterbacks, Manning has proven he can escape pressure and extend plays with his legs. His ability to move within the pocket and avoid sacks mirrors Burrow’s early years at LSU, where Burrow’s mobility in the pocket allowed him to avoid pressure and keep plays alive.

The High Expectations: Can Manning Live Up to the Burrow Comparison?

The pressure on Arch Manning to perform is enormous, and with a comparison to Joe Burrow, that pressure has only intensified. Fans and analysts alike have already set high expectations for Manning’s college career, and the comparisons to Burrow only add to that weight. The question is whether Manning can meet—or even exceed—the expectations set by his family legacy and the precedent set by Burrow’s extraordinary run at LSU.

While no one expects Manning to replicate Burrow’s 2019 season exactly, there are plenty of reasons to believe that he has the tools to lead Texas to greatness. Manning has an elite supporting cast at Texas, including top-tier wide receivers and a solid offensive line that will give him time to make plays. Additionally, head coach Steve Sarkisian’s offensive system is tailor-made for quarterbacks who can make quick decisions and read defenses accurately—two qualities that Manning excels at.

Manning’s path to success will likely mirror Burrow’s in several key ways. While Burrow’s rise was meteoric, it was also rooted in a combination of leadership, poise, and the ability to perform in clutch moments. If Manning can develop similar traits and produce on the field, Texas could find itself back in the national title conversation—and Manning could be a strong contender for the Heisman Trophy.

The Future: A Potential Heisman Run?

As Manning enters his third year at Texas, the spotlight will be on him to prove that he is the next great college football quarterback. With the potential to develop into one of the best in the country, Manning could be primed for a Heisman run in 2025, just as Burrow was in 2019. If Manning can lead the Longhorns to a national title and put up eye-popping stats along the way, the Heisman could be within reach.

The comparisons to Burrow may have surprised some, but for those who have watched Manning’s development closely, it’s clear that the comparison is justified. Both quarterbacks share similar traits: a strong arm, remarkable accuracy, leadership abilities, and an unflappable mentality in high-pressure situations. Whether Manning can replicate Burrow’s success on the field remains to be seen, but the potential for greatness is certainly there.