‘Time to attack’ for Arch Manning this offseason, according to Texas’ Colt McCoy

“Time to Attack” for Arch Manning This Offseason, According to Texas’ Colt McCoy

As the Texas Longhorns prepare for the 2025 season, all eyes are on Arch Manning, the highly anticipated five-star quarterback who committed to Texas with the expectation of leading the program to national glory. Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, has carried the weight of immense expectations since his high school days at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, Louisiana. Now, as he enters his sophomore year, it’s clear that the time for talk is over — it’s time for Manning to live up to the hype and take command of the Longhorns’ offense.

Manning’s journey to Texas has been well-documented. From his recruitment process, where the eyes of the football world followed every step, to his debut as a freshman, Manning has faced an unparalleled level of scrutiny. However, for Manning, this offseason represents a critical moment in his career — an opportunity to seize the starting role, refine his game, and lead Texas to new heights in a competitive college football landscape. This offseason is being seen as a time for Manning to take the next step, and according to former Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, it’s “time to attack.”

McCoy, who was a star quarterback for Texas and a key player in the Longhorns’ 2009 BCS National Championship Game appearance, has seen firsthand the challenges and rewards of playing at a top-tier program like Texas. His advice to Manning is simple but profound: this is the time for Manning to assert himself as the leader of the team, to use his talent and work ethic to elevate his game, and to prove that he’s ready to take on the mantle of the Texas quarterback.

In this article, we’ll explore what McCoy’s comments mean for Manning’s development, the key areas where Manning needs to grow, and the significance of this offseason in shaping the future of the Texas Longhorns football program.

The Weight of Expectations: Arch Manning’s Journey So Far

Arch Manning’s arrival at Texas was met with sky-high expectations. Coming from a football family with deep roots in the sport, Manning’s potential has been widely discussed ever since his early high school days. As the grandson of Archie Manning, the legendary quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, and the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, both Super Bowl champions, Arch was always going to be under the spotlight. His name alone carries immense pressure, but his performances at Isidore Newman helped to validate the hype.

Manning’s high school career was nothing short of stellar. He displayed a rare combination of arm strength, mobility, football IQ, and leadership that set him apart from many of his peers. Over the course of his high school career, he threw for over 6,000 yards and 80 touchdowns, guiding his team to multiple playoff appearances. His ability to make pinpoint throws under pressure, paired with his poise and calm demeanor in the pocket, made him a highly coveted recruit.

Despite his pedigree, Manning did not rush into his decision to commit to a school. He went through the process thoughtfully, eventually choosing Texas over a host of other top programs, including Alabama, Georgia, and Ole Miss, his family’s alma mater. His decision to play for the Longhorns sent shockwaves through the college football world, signaling the beginning of a new chapter for Texas football.

A Challenging Freshman Season

Manning’s first season at Texas didn’t go exactly as planned. As a freshman, he was behind Quinn Ewers on the depth chart, and while he was able to participate in several games, he didn’t see significant playing time. Ewers was the starter, and Manning’s role was largely limited to development, learning from the sidelines, and soaking in the nuances of the college game. Manning’s limited action was a reminder that the transition to college football, even for a player of his caliber, takes time.

That being said, Manning didn’t shy away from the challenge. He worked diligently throughout the season, improving his mechanics, reading defenses, and gaining valuable experience in the practice environment. Despite not playing extensively during the regular season, Manning was able to learn from one of the nation’s best quarterbacks in Ewers, and that experience will serve him well as he prepares for his sophomore season.

But as McCoy pointed out, now is the time for Manning to step up and take control of the situation. Ewers, who was initially projected to be the future of Texas football, is now preparing for the NFL Draft, leaving the door wide open for Manning to claim the starting role. It’s a pivotal moment in Manning’s career — one where his development and leadership will be tested more than ever.

Colt McCoy’s Advice: “Time to Attack”

Colt McCoy, who played for Texas from 2006 to 2009, knows the pressure that comes with playing quarterback at a high-profile program like Texas. McCoy himself was a highly recruited player out of high school and was thrust into the starting role early in his career. His advice to Manning is clear: it’s time to attack. In an interview, McCoy emphasized that Manning needs to embrace this offseason as a chance to take ownership of the offense, refine his skills, and prepare to be the leader Texas needs.

McCoy’s message is one of confidence and urgency. He believes that Manning has the tools to succeed at Texas, but it’s up to Manning to put in the work this offseason to reach his potential. This is the time for Manning to assert himself — not just as a talented player but as a leader who can command the offense, read defenses with precision, and elevate the performance of his teammates. McCoy knows that the pressure can be overwhelming, but he also understands that it’s a part of the process and a necessary step in the journey toward greatness.

McCoy’s experience as a college quarterback, as well as his time in the NFL, gives him a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed at the quarterback position. He knows the importance of timing, decision-making, and preparation, and those are the qualities that he believes Manning must focus on in order to take the next step in his development. McCoy’s guidance is invaluable, and it speaks to the high standards that both Manning and Texas have for the upcoming season.

Key Areas for Manning’s Development This Offseason

While Manning is undoubtedly talented, there are several areas of his game that he will need to refine if he is to succeed at the highest level. Let’s take a look at the key aspects of his game that Manning will need to focus on this offseason:

1. Leadership and Poise

As a quarterback, leadership is paramount. Manning has always been known for his calm demeanor and ability to handle pressure, but now that he is stepping into the starting role, he must take on a greater leadership role both on and off the field. It will be important for Manning to build strong relationships with his teammates, especially the offensive line and the wide receivers. Building trust and rapport with the team will be essential for creating a cohesive offense that can perform at a high level.

2. Mastering the Playbook and Reading Defenses

One of the biggest challenges for any quarterback, especially one entering his second season, is mastering the playbook and reading opposing defenses. Manning has the physical tools to succeed, but his success will largely depend on his ability to make quick, accurate decisions when reading defenses. The Big 12 is known for its high-scoring offenses, but the most successful teams are those that can execute offensively while also adjusting to the schemes and blitz packages that defenses throw at them. Manning’s ability to quickly process information and make sound decisions under pressure will be critical.

3. Accuracy and Timing

While Manning has shown flashes of brilliance with his arm strength and ability to make deep throws, improving his accuracy and timing will be a key focus this offseason. In the college game, quarterbacks are often asked to throw into tight windows, and Manning will need to consistently hit his receivers in stride to maximize yardage. Developing chemistry with his wide receivers and tight ends, as well as improving his deep-ball accuracy, will be crucial for Texas to be successful in 2025.

4. Mobility and Decision Making on the Run

While Manning is known for his strong arm, he also has the ability to make plays with his legs. However, knowing when to scramble and when to stay in the pocket will be a key aspect of his development. Learning to make the right decisions under pressure — whether to throw the ball away or make a run for it — will help Manning avoid negative plays and keep drives alive.

What This Means for Texas Football

Manning’s development this offseason is critical for the future of Texas football. The Longhorns are entering an exciting phase as they prepare to join the SEC, one of the most competitive conferences in college football. If Manning can step up and claim the starting role with confidence and maturity, he could be the centerpiece of an offense that will be expected to compete at a high level in the SEC.

A successful Manning will not only elevate the Longhorns offense but also help the program regain national prominence. Texas has a rich history of success, but in recent years, the program has struggled to find consistent quarterback play. Manning has the opportunity to be the player who changes that and leads Texas back to championship contention.