Arch Manning already knows what Steve Sarkisian wants from him after Quinn Ewers’ departure, reveals private conversation

In the fast-paced and ever-changing world of college football, few events carry as much intrigue and excitement as a high-profile quarterback’s arrival at a historic program. When Arch Manning, the grandson of Archie Manning and nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, chose to commit to Texas Longhorns in 2023, the expectations and excitement surrounding him were nothing short of monumental. Manning’s decision to join Steve Sarkisian’s offense was viewed as a turning point for the Longhorns, as he became the centerpiece of the program’s long-term vision.

With the departure of Quinn Ewers, Texas’ starting quarterback for the 2023 season, many eyes turned to Arch Manning to step into the starting role. Despite being a true freshman at the time, Manning’s pedigree and talent immediately made him a potential leader for a Texas team that had championship aspirations. In a recent revelation, Manning has disclosed a private conversation he had with Steve Sarkisian that clarified exactly what the Longhorns head coach wants from him moving forward and the expectations he must meet in order to succeed.

This article will take a deep dive into what Sarkisian expects from Manning, what their conversation revealed about the future of Texas football, and why Arch Manning’s understanding of his role might be the key to Texas’ success in the coming years.

A Legacy to Live Up To

When Arch Manning chose Texas, it wasn’t just another top recruit committing to a prestigious football program—it was a family legacy. The Manning family is woven deeply into the fabric of football history, with Archie Manning’s success in the NFL as the patriarch and both Peyton and Eli Manning achieving greatness in the league as Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks. Arch’s name alone carries the weight of three generations of Manning quarterbacks, but it’s his talent and understanding of the game that make him stand out in his own right.

Manning’s recruitment to Texas was built on both his elite physical abilities and his intelligence. On the field, Arch’s arm strength, football IQ, and ability to read defenses were already honed, having grown up around the game and learned from some of the best. Off the field, Manning’s maturity and willingness to learn set him apart from many of his peers. His work ethic, drive, and desire to succeed have been evident throughout his high school career, and his arrival in Austin was anticipated as the start of a new chapter for the Longhorns.

While the Manning name is synonymous with success, Arch’s journey to Texas was always going to be his own. With Steve Sarkisian at the helm, the expectations for Manning were set high. Yet, he faced a significant challenge in replacing a talented Quinn Ewers, who had been the Longhorns’ starter and was poised for a big 2025 season. For Manning, the pressure to succeed from day one was immense, but it was also an opportunity to prove that he could lead the team to championship glory.

The Quinn Ewers Departure: A Shift in the Quarterback Room

Quinn Ewers’ departure from Texas was one of the most talked-about events in the college football world. After a strong freshman year that showed glimpses of brilliance, Ewers made the decision to enter the NFL Draft early, leaving behind a significant void in the Longhorns’ quarterback room. While his decision was somewhat expected due to his NFL potential, it created a sense of uncertainty about who would lead the offense moving forward.

With Ewers gone, Manning suddenly became the presumed starter, though the competition for the starting role was still fierce. Manning’s high school pedigree and Manning family legacy gave him an edge over other quarterbacks vying for the job, but there were still questions about how quickly he could adapt to the speed of college football.

In response to this sudden shift, Steve Sarkisian, a quarterback guru known for developing top-tier signal-callers, took a proactive approach to ensure Manning was ready for the spotlight. Sarkisian’s track record with quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Bryce Young was proof that he could mold quarterbacks into high-level playmakers. Manning was expected to be the next in line, and his development would be crucial to Texas’ success in the 2025 season.

The Private Conversation: What Sarkisian Expects from Manning

In an exclusive interview, Arch Manning recently opened up about a private conversation he had with Steve Sarkisian after Quinn Ewers’ departure. The conversation provided valuable insight into what Sarkisian expects from him as a quarterback, as well as what Manning needs to do to succeed at Texas. The conversation highlighted Sarkisian’s trust in Manning’s talent, but also emphasized areas for improvement and a clear understanding of the expectations for the young quarterback moving forward.

1. Commanding the Offense and Being a Leader

One of the key takeaways from the conversation was Sarkisian’s emphasis on leadership. While Manning had already proven to be a natural leader in high school, taking charge of the Texas offense would be an entirely different challenge. Sarkisian stressed the importance of Manning becoming a vocal leader in the huddle, not just on the field. As the face of the Longhorns’ offense, Manning would need to take charge of the team both in practice and on game day.

For Manning, stepping into a leadership role at Texas means developing chemistry with his teammates, understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and earning their trust. Sarkisian emphasized the importance of communication, noting that a quarterback’s ability to control the tempo of the game, read the defense, and make adjustments at the line of scrimmage would be key to the offense’s success.

2. Mastering the Offensive System

One of the most significant aspects of the conversation was Sarkisian’s insistence on Manning mastering the Texas offensive system. Sarkisian’s offense is known for its complexity, incorporating both pro-style principles and spread concepts, and it can be a lot to digest for a freshman quarterback. However, Sarkisian made it clear that Manning’s success in the system would depend on how well he could digest the playbook, understand the offensive schemes, and execute them efficiently.

This would not just be about learning plays—it would be about reading defenses, making quick decisions under pressure, and adapting to different game situations. Manning would need to develop a deep understanding of the offense and the nuances of each play to truly excel.

While Manning was already seen as a smart player with a natural understanding of football, Sarkisian emphasized the importance of continuing to develop and refine his football IQ. The expectation is that Manning would not only understand the offensive system but be able to execute it at a level that matched or surpassed his peers.

3. Staying Consistent and Developing a Killer Instinct

Another major theme of the conversation was consistency. Sarkisian stressed that to be successful at the college level, Manning would need to maintain a high level of play week in and week out. The ability to stay consistent, especially in the face of adversity, is something that sets great quarterbacks apart from good ones.

However, Sarkisian also challenged Manning to develop a “killer instinct”—the ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments. Whether it’s a game-winning drive or responding to an opponent’s rally, Manning would need to show that he could take control when the game was on the line. This is often what separates good quarterbacks from great ones, and Sarkisian knew that Manning had the tools to cultivate this mentality.

4. Handling the Pressure and Expectations

Finally, Sarkisian and Manning spoke openly about the pressure that comes with being a Manning at Texas. There is a level of expectation from both the fans and the media, and Sarkisian made sure to address how Manning should handle it. The key takeaway was that Manning needed to focus on his own development and trust the process. The weight of his family legacy could be overwhelming at times, but Sarkisian reassured him that the only expectation that truly mattered was his growth as a quarterback and his ability to lead Texas to championships.

Manning’s ability to block out distractions and focus on the task at hand would be critical in allowing him to reach his full potential. Sarkisian’s message was clear: it’s not about living up to a legacy, it’s about building your own.

The Road Ahead for Arch Manning

With Sarkisian’s guidance, Arch Manning appears primed to take on the challenge of leading the Texas Longhorns into a new era. The team’s aspirations for 2025 and beyond are undoubtedly tied to Manning’s development, but with his understanding of what Sarkisian expects, he’s in a strong position to succeed.

As the Longhorns continue to make strides under Sarkisian, Arch Manning will undoubtedly become a key figure in the team’s quest for a national championship. His combination of talent, leadership, and mental toughness will be crucial as he navigates the high expectations and intense competition that come with being a quarterback at a top-tier program like Texas.