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With the arrival of a new season, a fresh opportunity emerges for Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning. The 2024 campaign saw Manning’s appearances on the field fluctuate due to the presence of Quinn Ewers, who battled injuries throughout the season. However, with Ewers now heading to the NFL, the stage is set for Manning to officially take control of the offense.
Now that Manning is the unquestioned starting quarterback, the question becomes whether he can capitalize on this moment. A college football analyst has weighed in on Manning’s new leadership role, noting that success won’t come easily — particularly with another talented young quarterback, DJ Lagway, making waves with 1,915 passing yards to his name.
Arch Manning Faces Early Pressure
Manning steps into a high-pressure role with enormous expectations. He not only carries the weight of Texas’ long search for a Heisman Trophy winner — a drought dating back to 1998 — but also the responsibility of upholding the prestigious Manning family legacy established by his uncles, Peyton and Eli. However, before any personal accolades come into view, Manning’s immediate focus will be guiding Texas to their first National Championship since 2005.
Manning’s first game as the official starting quarterback is particularly daunting, as it will pit him against the defending national champions, the Ohio State Buckeyes. Despite the challenging debut, Manning has already gained some respect. Analyst J.D. PicKell placed him fifth on his list of the top 10 quarterbacks in the SEC.
Analyst Confident in Manning’s Readiness
PicKell expressed optimism that Manning is prepared for the job, noting that Manning’s limited action in 2024 showed promise. Manning finished the season with 969 passing yards, nine touchdown passes, and four rushing scores. PicKell highlighted Manning’s two years of learning from the sidelines, observing Quinn Ewers, and working under Steve Sarkisian, one of the sport’s most respected offensive minds.
Importantly, PicKell believes Manning won’t be asked to carry the team entirely on his own from the outset. Texas plans to ease him into a scheme that emphasizes run-pass option (RPO) checks and a balanced offensive attack. Manning’s patient development process could pay off, but the road ahead is already complicated by the emergence of Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway.
Lagway Ranked Ahead of Manning
PicKell ranked Lagway fourth on the same SEC quarterback list, one spot ahead of Manning. The analyst justified this by saying Lagway has already shown more at the collegiate level than Manning. Lagway wrapped up the 2024 season with 1,915 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, completing 60% of his passes.
PicKell also highlighted how significant Lagway’s arrival is for Florida, saying, “The Gators haven’t had a quarterback like him since Tim Tebow.” This isn’t the first time Lagway has overshadowed Manning.
Manning Snubbed from Another Recognition
Lagway’s rise continued when On3 included him on their “Way-Too-Early All-America” team for 2025. Notably, Manning didn’t make the list at all. The exclusion highlights a key difference between the two quarterbacks: Lagway has already proven himself in live game action, while Manning’s resume is still largely built on potential rather than performance.
Pressure Mounting for Manning
Despite the attention and comparisons to players like Tim Tebow, Manning has yet to consistently play extended snaps over his first two seasons. While Tebow won the Heisman in his second year, Manning spent those seasons watching from the sidelines. Now, with the spotlight squarely on him, Manning must prove he can live up to his potential — and do it quickly.
Adding to the pressure, Texas is already eyeing the future beyond Manning. The program has identified Florida high school quarterback Dia Bell as a potential successor. Bell has built a strong reputation, completing over 70% of his passes for 2,597 yards and 29 touchdowns as a junior, while adding 561 rushing yards and five rushing scores. Analysts have already labeled him a “natural thrower,” making him one to watch for the Longhorns’ long-term plans.
The Bottom Line
For Arch Manning, 2025 is shaping up to be a defining year. It’s a season that will either establish him as the next great Manning quarterback — or leave Texas looking to the future without him.