With his new contract with Texas, Steve Sarkisian raises high hopes for Arch Manning as the Longhorns’ football star.

The state of Texas has long been a hotbed for football talent, with the University of Texas often standing at the forefront of this football-rich state. The Longhorns have seen some of the most incredible athletes come through their program, but the arrival of Arch Manning has generated a level of excitement and expectation unlike anything the program has seen in recent years. Manning, the highly sought-after quarterback from the famed Manning football family, brings with him a legacy and lineage that can’t help but raise high hopes for Texas’ future.

But as high as the expectations are for Manning, they are also tied to the leadership of Steve Sarkisian, the current head coach of the Longhorns. Sarkisian’s own career trajectory has been marked by a mix of success and setbacks, and his new contract with Texas signals the university’s commitment to him as the person tasked with guiding the Longhorns back to national prominence. But beyond his own future in Austin, Sarkisian’s role in shaping the future of Arch Manning is perhaps one of his most significant challenges and opportunities.

This year’s football season is critical for the Texas Longhorns, as they look to solidify their identity and position themselves as true national title contenders. And for that to happen, Sarkisian and Manning must develop the kind of relationship that will elevate the program and bring Texas back into the national spotlight. While Manning’s raw talent and family history speak for themselves, Sarkisian’s coaching and vision will be crucial in helping him reach his full potential.

Arch Manning: The Legacy of a Family

To understand why Arch Manning’s arrival at Texas has caused such a buzz, it’s essential to look at the Manning family legacy. Arch’s uncles, Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, are two of the most accomplished quarterbacks in NFL history. Their success in both the college and professional ranks has made them household names. Arch’s grandfather, Archie Manning, was a star quarterback for the New Orleans Saints in the 1970s, and he remains one of the most beloved figures in the history of the NFL.

Given this pedigree, the expectations for Arch Manning, the youngest of the Manning football dynasty, were always going to be incredibly high. However, Arch’s journey as a football player is just beginning, and while the Manning name is a great advantage, it also comes with a great deal of pressure.

Arch Manning attended Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he excelled as a quarterback. His high school career was nothing short of spectacular, and he quickly became one of the top recruits in the country. His combination of size, arm strength, accuracy, and football IQ made him one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in recent memory. By the time he made his college decision, many schools were clamoring for the opportunity to bring him into their program, and Texas emerged as the front-runner.

Manning’s decision to commit to Texas in 2023 was a massive win for the Longhorns, as it not only secured a top-tier quarterback prospect but also sent a signal to the college football world that Texas was back in the elite ranks of the sport. While other schools like Alabama, Georgia, and Ole Miss (his family’s alma mater) were all vying for his commitment, Manning chose to take his talents to Austin.

For the Longhorns, this was more than just signing a top-tier recruit—it was about positioning themselves for sustained success. Manning has the potential to be the face of Texas football for years to come, and his decision to commit to the Longhorns could be the spark that sets the program on a championship trajectory.

Steve Sarkisian’s Role in Arch Manning’s Development

While Arch Manning’s physical tools and pedigree are extraordinary, the role of the head coach in shaping his development cannot be overstated. Enter Steve Sarkisian, who was hired as Texas’ head coach in 2021 after a successful tenure as the offensive coordinator at Alabama. Sarkisian was brought in to elevate Texas’ offense and bring the program back to relevance after years of mediocrity. However, as Sarkisian has quickly learned, the expectations placed on him go far beyond just improving the offense. The arrival of a quarterback like Arch Manning only amplifies the pressure on Sarkisian to deliver results and develop the young signal-caller into a potential Heisman candidate and, eventually, an NFL prospect.

Sarkisian’s new contract extension, which keeps him in Austin for several more years, solidifies his position as the head coach at Texas and places the program’s future squarely on his shoulders. Sarkisian has been praised for his ability to develop quarterbacks, particularly during his time at Alabama, where he helped refine Mac Jones and Bryce Young, both of whom would go on to become first-round draft picks. The hope in Texas is that Sarkisian can replicate this success with Manning and mold him into one of the top quarterbacks in college football.

“Steve’s a great offensive mind, and I have full confidence in him,” Manning said when he committed to Texas. “I know he’s going to help me take my game to the next level. The way he develops quarterbacks is impressive, and I think he’s the right coach for me.”

Sarkisian has proven that he can work with quarterbacks of varying skill sets, and his offensive schemes emphasize maximizing the strengths of his players. His expertise in developing quarterbacks, combined with Manning’s innate talent and potential, presents an exciting opportunity for the Longhorns. Sarkisian’s success will be determined by his ability to nurture Manning’s growth, harness his natural abilities, and develop him into a quarterback capable of leading Texas to championship contention.

High Hopes for Arch Manning’s Future

With his combination of size, athleticism, and football intelligence, Arch Manning is widely considered one of the most talented quarterbacks to come out of high school in recent memory. His arm strength, poise under pressure, and ability to read defenses are already at an elite level, and as he refines his game, there is little doubt that he has the potential to dominate at the college level.

Texas fans have long been waiting for the program to return to national prominence, and Manning’s commitment gives them reason to believe that the Longhorns’ time is now. With a talented roster, an explosive offense, and a promising quarterback at the helm, Texas could be poised for a breakthrough season under Sarkisian’s leadership.

However, Manning’s success is not guaranteed. He will face some of the toughest defenses in the country in the Big 12, and transitioning to college football can often be difficult for young quarterbacks. But Manning’s pedigree and work ethic give him a solid foundation, and Sarkisian’s mentorship will be crucial in ensuring that Manning develops as a quarterback.

Sarkisian’s offense is tailored to make quarterbacks successful, and Manning will benefit from Sarkisian’s ability to design plays that fit his style. The Longhorns’ offense will likely revolve around Manning’s arm strength and ability to make quick decisions, but Sarkisian will also need to ensure that Manning can handle the pressure of being the focal point of the offense.

For Texas, the stakes are incredibly high. The Longhorns have not won a national championship since 2005, and the pressure to return to prominence has only grown over the past decade. With Manning now in the fold, there is renewed optimism that Texas is capable of not only competing for a conference title but also for a national championship. Manning’s arrival has made the Longhorns one of the most talked-about teams in the country, and expectations are soaring.

Sarkisian’s New Contract and the Long-Term Future of Texas Football

Steve Sarkisian’s new contract extension, which was announced in early 2023, has solidified his role as the man who will lead Texas for the foreseeable future. This extension, which is worth a reported $30 million, is a vote of confidence in Sarkisian’s ability to turn around the Texas football program and guide it to the level of sustained success that fans have been craving.

The timing of this contract extension is significant, as it coincides with Arch Manning’s arrival at Texas. With Manning on campus, Sarkisian now has one of the most highly-touted quarterbacks in the nation at his disposal. The expectations for the Longhorns are higher than ever, and Sarkisian’s ability to develop Manning into a Heisman-caliber player will be key to the team’s success.

Sarkisian’s contract extension also ensures that the program will have stability and continuity in leadership, which is essential for recruiting and long-term success. By locking down Sarkisian for several more years, Texas is signaling to recruits, fans, and the football world that they are serious about returning to national contention. Sarkisian’s relationship with Manning will play a central role in determining how quickly the Longhorns can reach those lofty goals.