Texas QB Arch Manning is heading into the 2025 season with an excellent mentality
The college football world has been eagerly watching Arch Manning for years, waiting to see how he would fare once he finally stepped onto the field as the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns. After all, the Manning name carries immense weight in football circles. His grandfather, Archie Manning, was a beloved NFL quarterback, and his uncles—Peyton and Eli—both became legendary quarterbacks in their own right, with Peyton widely considered one of the greatest of all time. Now, as Arch heads into the 2025 season, it’s clear that he has adopted an excellent mentality that could help him not only navigate the immense pressure of his family’s legacy but also lead the Longhorns into a new era of success.
Manning’s path to Texas has been anything but ordinary. From his early days in New Orleans, where he was a standout at Isidore Newman High School, to his recruitment as one of the most highly touted high school quarterbacks of all time, every step of Manning’s journey has been under the microscope. His commitment to Texas was a monumental event in the world of college football, not only because of his name but because of the expectations that surrounded him. Texas, a program rich in history but experiencing its fair share of ups and downs in recent years, was hoping Manning could be the piece to bring it all back together. With his arrival in Austin, the excitement was palpable.
However, the pressure on Manning was intense. While his immense talent as a quarterback has always been evident, the weight of the Manning legacy, combined with the intense scrutiny of playing for one of college football’s most storied programs, could have easily crushed a lesser athlete. But what makes Arch Manning so intriguing heading into the 2025 season is the mental toughness and maturity he’s displayed thus far. In interviews, his coaches, teammates, and even analysts have pointed to the way Manning has approached his role, both as a player and as a leader. Despite his young age, Manning has adopted a mentality that’s both grounded and focused, two qualities that will be essential as he leads Texas into a season full of high expectations.
First and foremost, Manning’s mental approach to the game is built on resilience. Over the years, Manning has learned that football is as much about overcoming adversity as it is about skill development. His early years in college football have been filled with challenges—highs and lows that all players face, particularly those thrust into the spotlight as he has been. In his first season at Texas, Manning experienced growing pains, as most freshmen quarterbacks do. Yet, he never seemed overwhelmed by the challenges he faced. Rather than trying to live up to the lofty expectations placed on him, Manning focused on mastering the fundamentals of the position—reading defenses, improving his mechanics, and making smart decisions. This mindset helped him weather the rough patches and put him in a position to take over as a leader when the time was right.
Manning’s approach to his mental game can be attributed to a number of factors. His family, of course, has played a pivotal role in shaping his perspective on the sport. Both Peyton and Eli Manning were never ones to get too high after a win or too low after a loss. They learned early on that consistency in their mental approach was key to long-term success. Arch has taken a similar approach, embracing the idea that one game—whether a win or a loss—does not define his future. Rather than becoming obsessed with his individual performance or the opinions of others, Manning has learned to keep his head down, focus on improvement, and let the results follow.
This mentality was on full display during the 2024 season, when Manning was given a chance to start in a few games. Despite facing elite defenses and experiencing both success and failure, Manning never wavered in his approach. He remained calm under pressure, trusting his preparation and his instincts, even in the most chaotic moments. In one of his most memorable performances, Manning led Texas to a crucial victory over a rival program, showing poise and maturity far beyond his years. That game, in particular, was a statement for both Manning and the Longhorns—it proved that this young quarterback had the potential to lead his team to great things.
Beyond his physical abilities, it’s Manning’s leadership mentality that has garnered the most attention heading into the 2025 season. Leadership is a critical quality for any quarterback, but for someone like Manning, it carries extra weight. The Longhorns program is looking for someone to steer it back to national prominence, and Manning’s mentality as a leader is key to that. While some quarterbacks shy away from the spotlight or struggle to connect with their teammates, Manning has embraced his role as a leader from day one.
It’s clear that Manning has a natural charisma about him. He’s the type of player who earns the respect of his teammates without having to demand it. During his early days at Texas, Manning made a concerted effort to bond with his offensive line, his wide receivers, and his coaches. He understood that leadership isn’t just about throwing touchdown passes or calling plays—it’s about creating a bond of trust within the team. Manning’s work ethic in practice, his willingness to learn from others, and his ability to communicate effectively with his teammates all contribute to the leadership qualities he has displayed.
His leadership isn’t just about being vocal, either. Manning has proven to be a player who leads by example. In the weight room, on the practice field, and during film study, he’s known for his relentless drive and attention to detail. His teammates see how much effort he puts into improving himself, and that drives them to raise their own level of play. But Manning is also humble enough to recognize that he’s still growing as a player and leader. He’s open to feedback, takes ownership of his mistakes, and always looks for ways to help his team improve as a whole.
This leadership mentality will be crucial as Manning heads into the 2025 season. Texas is expected to be one of the top teams in the country, and the expectations on Manning will be immense. But instead of shying away from those expectations, Manning has embraced them. He has said publicly that he’s excited to take on the challenge of leading a team with such high aspirations. He understands that the road ahead won’t be easy, but he’s ready to shoulder the responsibility.
One of the most impressive aspects of Manning’s mentality is his ability to block out the external noise. As the nephew of two NFL legends, Manning has always been aware of the comparisons that would inevitably come his way. Fans, media, and analysts alike have all made assumptions about how Manning would measure up to his famous family members. But rather than getting bogged down in these comparisons, Manning has learned to tune out the noise and focus solely on his growth as a quarterback. He’s said time and time again that he doesn’t feel the need to live up to the expectations set by his uncles or grandfather. Instead, he’s focused on being the best version of himself—a version that is determined to lead Texas to championships and make his own legacy.
This ability to stay grounded is a trait that sets Manning apart from many other young quarterbacks. College football, with its intense media scrutiny and rabid fanbases, can easily overwhelm young players, especially those with as much hype surrounding them as Manning. But Manning has always handled himself with a level of maturity that far exceeds his age. He’s learned to block out distractions, stay focused on his goals, and let his performance speak for itself.
It’s also worth noting the importance of Manning’s work with his coaches. As a young quarterback, having a solid relationship with your coaching staff is essential to growth. In Texas’s case, Manning is fortunate to have Steve Sarkisian as his head coach—one of the brightest offensive minds in college football. Sarkisian’s expertise in developing quarterbacks has already been proven with the success of past quarterbacks, and Manning has embraced the opportunity to learn from him. Sarkisian, for his part, has praised Manning for his football IQ, his willingness to learn, and his ability to execute the offense with precision. But beyond the technical aspects of the game, Sarkisian has also recognized Manning’s leadership qualities and his ability to connect with his teammates.
As Manning heads into the 2025 season, there are many reasons to be optimistic about his potential. He has the physical tools—his arm strength, mobility, and poise in the pocket are all top-tier qualities that make him a future star. But what will truly set him apart as he enters his second season as the starter is his mentality. Manning’s resilience, leadership, and ability to stay focused on the task at hand make him a player who can handle the intense pressure that comes with being the quarterback of a program like Texas.
In many ways, Manning’s mentality is already making a significant impact on the Longhorns. The team’s confidence and belief in their quarterback are palpable. As Manning continues to grow and develop, it’s clear that he’s becoming the kind of leader who can guide Texas back to its former glory. With the 2025 season on the horizon, all eyes will be on Manning, but if he continues to maintain the excellent mentality he’s displayed thus far, there’s no doubt that the Longhorns will be a force to be reckoned with.
Arch Manning has been preparing for this moment his entire life, and as he heads into the 2025 season, he’s ready for the challenges that lie ahead. With his mentality firmly in place, he’s not just ready to play—he’s ready to lead, elevate his team, and carve out his own legacy at Texas. The journey may be long, and the road may be tough, but if his mentality remains this strong, the sky is the limit for this young quarterback and for the Texas Longhorns.
