Arch Manning confronts harsh message from Steve Sarkisian as Texas rides a high stakes championship or bust campaign

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The Texas Longhorns are entering a new era, and all eyes are on Arch Manning as he takes over as the starting quarterback for the 2025 season. After two years of backing up Quinn Ewers, Manning will finally get his chance to lead the team. The move comes at a critical time for Texas, which has been knocking on the door of greatness under head coach Steve Sarkisian. In January, the program locked down Sarkisian with a seven-year contract extension, a nod to his impressive 38-17 record since 2021.

That includes a blistering 25-5 stretch over the past two seasons, making the Longhorns the only team to reach the College Football Playoff (CFP) both years. But despite the regular-season success, Sarkisian’s 2-3 bowl record – highlighted by back-to-back semifinal losses – has left fans hungry for a breakthrough. Manning, the third quarterback to start under Sarkisian’s tenure, inherits a team on the brink of a championship. Quinn Ewers, now a projected second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, faced criticism for failing to deliver a title, something Texas hasn’t done since 2005. Now it’s Manning’s turn to chase that elusive crown.

Sarkisian’s Warning: Talent Alone Won’t Cut It

In a candid interview with ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the coach delivered a blunt reality check to his young quarterback. While praising Manning’s talent and leadership, Sarkisian warned that the pressure will be relentless, especially with a brutal schedule that opens against defending national champion Ohio State and includes tough road trips to Florida and Georgia – teams that beat Texas twice recently. “Inside our building, sure, there will be [grace],” Sarkisian said, “but outside the building, the pundits will be the pundits, the fans will be the fans, the opposing fans will be the fans.”

The message was clear: Manning will have the support of the team, but the outside world won’t cut him any slack. The season opener at Ohio State will be a national stage – and a baptism by fire. The expectations are sky-high. Manning isn’t just looking to lead Texas to a national championship – he’s looking to become the program’s third Heisman winner, joining legends Earl Campbell (1977) and Ricky Williams (1998). But as the season opener approaches, Sarkisian isn’t sugarcoating the challenge ahead.

Sarkisian’s words weren’t meant to scare Manning, but to prepare him. The former five-star recruit has already shown flashes of brilliance in limited action, throwing for 939 yards, nine touchdowns and completing 67.8% of his passes in 10 games last season, as a backup. His poise and skill impressed teammates and coaches alike, and Sarkisian believes the experience Manning gained will serve him well this fall. With a stout defense and a veteran roster around him, the pieces are in place for success.

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