

The Longhorns are just under a month away from kicking off the season against the defending champions, the Ohio State Buckeyes, in Columbus on August 30. Last year, the Buckeyes knocked the Longhorns out of the semifinals, so this matchup is dripping with revenge vibes. That marked the end of now-Dolphins QB Quinn Ewers’s time at Texas, paving the way for Arch Manning, the nation’s top NIL earner at $6.8 million, to take the reins after spending two years as Ewers’s backup. In this wild transfer portal era, where players pick schools for cash as much as prestige, Manning could have left but chose to stay on the bench and soak up knowledge.
Now, his moment is here, and the pressure is massive-not just because of the legendary Manning name in NFL history, but also because Texas hasn’t won a National Championship in 20 years. They remain the only program to make the playoffs the last two seasons but fell short in the semifinals both times. Texas has played in both the old four-team format and the new 12-team setup, so the stakes are high.
Sarkisian Praises Manning Family’s Down-to-Earth Approach
Coach Steve Sarkisian recently opened up about the buzz around Arch Manning in a chat with ESPN’s Rece Davis, offering a grounded take on how the Manning family navigates the spotlight. With Manning stepping up as the starter, his name’s been everywhere in college football, a natural byproduct of playing for Texas with one of the sport’s most iconic surnames.
Some might buckle under that hype, but Sarkisian sees something different in the Mannings. “There’s something special about the Mannings,” he said. “They’ve got this knack for keeping things normal despite the massive brand they carry.
They know how to flip the switch when it’s game time and tune out the noise when it’s not, focusing on what matters-football.” He added, “They’re a tight-knit family, and this isn’t about chasing eyeballs or racking up commercials. Still, they get that Arch will draw attention, and they handle it with a comfort level that puts me at ease.”
Manning’s Big Test Looms with High Expectations
Sarkisian, who secured a seven-year contract extension earlier this year, knows he has a golden opportunity to win a championship with Manning as quarterback. Sarkisian has always praised Manning publicly. The young quarterback will need to prove why Texas is favored to win the national championship this year. Last season, Manning played in 10 games, starting in just two.
He showed promise, throwing for 939 yards and nine touchdowns with a 67.8% completion rate. He also rushed for 108 yards and four touchdowns, leading Texas to a combined score of 86-16 in those starts. With the Ohio State game approaching, all eyes will be on him to live up to the hype and his family’s legacy.
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