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Steve Sarkisian - English
Texas Longhorns - English
As the countdown to the 2025 college football season begins, few programs are under more pressure than the Texas Longhorns. After falling short in the College Football Playoff semifinal against eventual national champions Ohio State, Texas enters a new chapter.
With Quinn Ewers off to the NFL, the spotlight now shifts to redshirt sophomore Arch Manning, the heir apparent to one of the sport’s most iconic surnames.
The expectations for Manning are high, but as is always the case with players born into legacy, the hype has been accompanied by criticism. And one analyst is already tapping the brakes on what many fans hope will be a historic campaign in Austin.
ESPN’s Aaron Murray questions Manning’s readiness
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While Manning is considered by some to be a Heisman Trophy frontrunner and a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, ESPN’s Aaron Murray isn’t buying all the buzz just yet.
“If you are so good… why in the hell are you not playing above a 7th round QB?” Murray asked, referencing Manning’s backup role to Quinn Ewers throughout most of the 2024 season.
Murray’s remarks came during a discussion about Texas’ national title hopes, and he didn’t mince words in implying that Manning‘s inability to supplant Ewers last year could signal deeper concerns about his readiness to lead a program. While that take certainly got attention, it may not paint the full picture.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian was clear throughout last season that experience and stability mattered in a championship push.
Ewers, though inconsistent at times, had already been through the grind of SEC-caliber defenses and was trusted to manage the offense under high-pressure situations. Benching him for a true freshman – even one named Manning – would have been a drastic shift.
That doesn’t mean Arch‘s time on the field was forgettable. In 10 appearances, he threw for 939 yards and 9 touchdowns with no interceptions – efficient, clean, and at times electric.
More importantly, he went undefeated in his appearances and showcased poise that backed up his five-star pedigree.
This news was originally published on this post .
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