With Arch Manning at quarterback, the Texas football attack might alter in two ways.

As the 2023 college football season progresses, the University of Texas football program is receiving a wave of attention, largely due to the arrival of Arch Manning, one of the most highly anticipated quarterback prospects in recent memory. A Manning at the helm of Texas football brings both a rich family legacy and a set of expectations that will shape the program’s offensive direction for years to come. Arch Manning is not just any highly-touted recruit; he is the latest in a long line of quarterbacks from the Manning family, and with him, the Texas Longhorns are poised to undergo substantial changes to their offensive identity.

While Texas football has been on the cusp of returning to prominence under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the arrival of a generational talent like Manning could prove to be a tipping point. With his skillset, football IQ, and bloodlines, Manning is expected to alter Texas’ offensive scheme in two distinct ways: first, through a more balanced and versatile passing attack, and second, by influencing the development of a more aggressive, tempo-driven offensive system. These two alterations will not only affect the Longhorns’ on-field performance but could also shift the trajectory of the program as a whole.

1. A More Balanced and Versatile Passing Attack

One of the first and most obvious areas in which Arch Manning’s presence will influence the Texas offense is in the passing game. Texas has often relied on a combination of quarterbacks, with each bringing varying levels of success. While quarterbacks like Sam Ehlinger and Quinn Ewers (who played in 2022) provided strong performances, they often struggled with consistency and the ability to fully stretch the field.

Manning, however, is poised to bring an entirely different dynamic to the Longhorns’ aerial attack. From his high school days at Isidore Newman in New Orleans, Manning has demonstrated a combination of poise, precision, and a deep understanding of how to read defenses. His mechanics are sharp, his arm strength is impressive, and most importantly, he has a natural feel for timing and placement, which makes him a potentially elite passer.

Precision and Decision-Making

One of the hallmarks of a Manning quarterback is an elite ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver the ball with accuracy. Arch Manning comes from a football family that has preached the fundamentals of passing for generations. His uncles, Peyton and Eli, are two of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history, and Arch has been mentored by them from a young age. This background gives him a unique advantage over many other young quarterbacks. He is accustomed to analyzing complex defensive schemes, reading coverages, and making decisions based on a deep understanding of what the defense is doing.

For Texas, this means that Manning will be able to execute more advanced offensive concepts right away. Under Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have run a system that heavily relies on precision passing, a mix of quick-hitting routes, play-action, and deep throws. Manning’s ability to read defenses pre-snap, identify weaknesses, and adjust the play accordingly will enhance these elements. We can expect more of a spread, pro-style attack with an emphasis on quick, accurate throws to a variety of receivers. Whether it’s a quick slant, a post route, or a wheel route to the running back, Manning’s ability to distribute the ball with precision could help elevate Texas’ passing game to a new level.

The Ability to Stretch the Field

While Texas’ offense has certainly had playmakers in the past, Manning’s arm strength and accuracy on deep throws will allow the Longhorns to push the ball downfield more effectively than in recent years. Texas’ offense under Sarkisian has leaned on vertical passing concepts, but the lack of consistent quarterback play often stunted the potential of these deep shots. Manning’s capability to stretch the field with deep throws will help open up the offense, forcing opposing defenses to adjust. Whether it’s hitting wide receivers like Xavier Worthy or tight ends like Ja’Tavion Sanders down the field, Manning’s deep ball accuracy will force defenses to respect all areas of the field.

Moreover, this deep passing attack can also help open up the running game. When defenses are stretched vertically, they must cover more ground, making it easier for running backs like Bijan Robinson (who has since departed for the NFL) or the new stable of Texas running backs to find space. This balance between the passing and running game is essential for any offense looking to be effective in modern college football, and Manning’s addition to the fold could be the catalyst for this shift.

2. A More Aggressive, Tempo-Driven Offensive System

Steve Sarkisian is known for his innovative play-calling, and with Manning in the fold, it’s likely that the Longhorns’ offense will become even more aggressive and up-tempo. At Alabama, where Sarkisian was the offensive coordinator before taking over the Texas job, the offense was known for its explosive plays and fast-paced tempo. Texas has already shown glimpses of this style, but Manning’s ability to quickly process information and execute high-level plays will allow the team to accelerate their tempo and take more risks, knowing they have a quarterback capable of executing at a high level.

Faster Pace of Play

Under Sarkisian’s direction, Texas has shown a preference for running a fast-paced offense. With a quarterback who can quickly read defenses, make adjustments, and get the ball out of his hands with precision, the Longhorns will likely look to increase the tempo. Manning’s ability to run a no-huddle offense, read the defense quickly, and keep the defense on its heels will allow Texas to dictate the pace of the game. This tempo can tire out opposing defenses, especially those with less depth, and it will create opportunities for quick-strike plays, as well as the ability to get into a rhythm earlier in games.

Moreover, Manning’s understanding of the offensive system and his natural ability to process the game mentally means he will not be overwhelmed by the speed of the tempo. His quick decision-making ability will allow him to remain calm under pressure, which is key to making fast-paced offenses work effectively. In today’s game, where tempo has become an essential component of success, Manning will give Sarkisian the ability to truly maximize the speed of the offense, resulting in more explosive plays.

Aggressive Play-Calling

Manning’s skill set will also likely influence Sarkisian’s play-calling, encouraging a more aggressive approach. Sarkisian is not known for being shy when it comes to taking shots down the field, but the presence of a quarterback with Manning’s ability could push the offense to take even more risks. In particular, Sarkisian’s propensity to use play-action fakes and rollout concepts, which require a quarterback with excellent decision-making and the ability to read the field quickly, will be even more potent with Manning under center.

Additionally, Manning’s ability to check to different plays based on what he sees from the defense will allow Sarkisian to be more creative and dynamic in his offensive play-calling. Whether it’s a quick screen to the outside or a deep shot down the middle, Manning’s ability to execute all facets of the game with precision will give the Longhorns more flexibility to attack defenses in a variety of ways.