Arch Manning, the highly touted freshman quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, has been thrust into the spotlight after getting significant playing time during the 2023 season. The nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch’s entry into the college football world was met with high expectations and intense scrutiny. As Texas continues its push for national relevance, Manning’s development and growth have been one of the most talked-about storylines.
Though Manning started his career behind junior quarterback Quinn Ewers, the absence of Ewers due to injury during certain stretches of the season provided Manning with a valuable opportunity to see extended action. While the Texas offense has had its ups and downs, Manning’s evolution throughout the season has shown significant progress. Here’s a breakdown of where Arch Manning is improving and what his future holds for the Longhorns.
One of the biggest challenges for any young quarterback is learning how to handle the pressure of a live game, especially in the high-stakes environment of major college football. When Manning entered the game, it wasn’t just about executing plays—it was about performing under the intense spotlight of a program with a storied history and national championship aspirations.
Manning’s poise has been evident, especially in the moments when things weren’t going perfectly. Whether it was managing a tight game situation or adjusting to different defensive schemes, Manning’s ability to keep his composure has been a pleasant surprise for many. His calm demeanor on the field and ability to think through situations—rather than reacting out of panic—has helped him make strides in terms of leadership and decision-making.
While Manning had a standout high school career at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, the jump to college football requires more than just raw talent—it requires adjusting to the speed of the game. College defenses are faster, smarter, and more complex than what most high school quarterbacks face, and Manning had to adapt quickly.
Through his time in extended action, Manning has shown improved recognition of defensive alignments and better decision-making. While he’s still learning to read and react at a faster pace, Manning’s ability to process information on the field and get the ball to the right player at the right time has grown significantly. His pocket awareness, once a concern, has also improved. Manning has shown a better understanding of when to stand tall in the pocket and when to move around to create new throwing lanes or avoid pressure.
Another area where Manning has seen noticeable improvement is in his mechanics. Early in the season, Manning’s throws were at times inconsistent, with some passes missing their intended targets or sailing high. His footwork, while solid, was a little rushed at times, leading to some inaccurate throws. However, as Manning gained more experience and continued to work with Texas’ coaching staff, he began to tighten up his mechanics.
Manning’s arm strength has never been in question, but his ability to consistently place the ball in the right spot has taken major steps forward. Whether it’s hitting tight windows over the middle or delivering accurate passes on the move, Manning has refined his mechanics to the point where he can now distribute the ball effectively to all areas of the field. His accuracy on deep throws has also seen an uptick, which will be crucial as Texas looks to stretch the field in future games.
As Manning’s playing time has increased, so too has his chemistry with the wide receivers. One of the biggest adjustments for a young quarterback is learning to trust his targets and anticipate where they will be when the ball is released. Manning has been developing a rapport with several key receivers, including Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington, both of whom are dynamic playmakers for the Longhorns.
While Manning is still building that chemistry, his ability to connect with different types of receivers—whether it’s a speedster on a quick slant or a tall, physical receiver on a jump ball—has improved. This trust between quarterback and receiver is a sign that Manning is growing as a leader and becoming more comfortable in the Texas offense.
Perhaps the most notable area of improvement for Manning has been his mental game. The pressure of following in the footsteps of two NFL legends can be overwhelming, but Manning has shown resilience in the face of adversity. His work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to improving has been evident in his approach to both practice and games.
Manning’s ability to bounce back from mistakes and learn from them has been a key part of his development. Whether it was shaking off a turnover or coming back after a slow start, Manning has developed the mental fortitude to handle the ups and downs of college football. This mental growth is crucial for his future at Texas and will play a big role as he competes for the starting role going forward.
As Arch Manning continues to improve throughout his freshman year, the future of Texas football looks increasingly promising. His growth as a player has been steady, and his ability to learn from his experiences and refine his skill set indicates that he is well on his way to becoming a top-tier quarterback.
With Quinn Ewers likely to move on after this season, Manning will have the opportunity to take the reins of the Longhorns offense moving forward. His ability to grow and adapt to the speed of the game, build chemistry with his receivers, and continue to refine his mechanics will be key to Texas’ success in the future.
Manning’s development is a process, but one that will continue to pay off as he gets more time on the field. With each snap, he’s not only becoming a better quarterback but also a more confident leader for the Texas Longhorns.