Steve Sarkisian Makes Arch Manning Admission

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ryan Harris | Last updated Apr 21, 2025 12:42 PM ET

The Texas Longhorns now enter the Arch Manning era and anticipate his name being the face of college football this season.

While the Manning era is expected to be short, as he is already ranked as a top five pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, greatness is heavily expected from the young quarterback.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian, who is entering his fifth year with the Longhorns, was asked about Manning during a Q&A with ESPN's Pete Thamel.

To no surprise, Sarkisian is excited about Manning becoming the full time starter for a Texas team looking to make it to the national championship after losing in the College Football Playoff semi-finals two years in a row.

Thamel asked lots of hard hitting questions, with a lot of focus surrounding Manning and how he has grown so far in college.

"Arch Manning's moment is finally here. He's waited patiently for it. He's the focal point of both the offense and the locker room now. How's he embraced the new reality?" Thamel asks Sarkisian.

He goes on to talk about how unique his style is and his demeanor, and how he focuses on himself rather than the family name on the back of his jersey.

Mentioning his athleticism, states that "this guy's a better athlete than I thought. Definitely got grandpa's gene. It's not the uncles, he got grandpa's gene," talking about being as athletic as his grandfather Archie Manning over uncles Peyton and Eli Manning.

Heavy amounts of praise for his leadership abilities, personality, and the overall talent that Manning has makes him an easy player to coach, which translates to better play on the field.

This season with Manning running the offense, along with key playmakers returning, will make Texas a team to watch throughout the year.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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