Steve Sarkisian Learning from Arch Manning Mistake Could Be the Key to Saving Texas Football
As the Texas Longhorns close out another roller-coaster season, head coach Steve Sarkisian finds himself at a pivotal moment in his tenure. Despite a strong recruiting record and flashes of brilliance on the field, Sarkisian’s handling of key personnel decisions has left fans questioning whether he can bring the program back to national prominence. One decision, in particular, has loomed large: how he has managed highly touted freshman quarterback Arch Manning.
Manning, the crown jewel of Texas’ 2023 recruiting class and a generational talent, entered the program with massive expectations. As the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning and the grandson of college and NFL great Archie Manning, Arch was hailed as the future of Texas football. Yet, his role in the Longhorns’ offense has been anything but clear, and Sarkisian’s hesitation to integrate him meaningfully into the lineup has sparked debate. If Sarkisian doesn’t learn from this mistake, it could define his legacy at Texas.
When Arch Manning committed to Texas in 2022, it was seen as a monumental win for Sarkisian. Manning’s commitment not only solidified Texas’ standing as a top-tier program but also signaled that the Longhorns could compete with the likes of Alabama and Georgia for elite recruits. The hype surrounding Manning’s arrival in Austin was unparalleled, with fans eager to see how Sarkisian would develop him.
However, Manning’s first season has been marked by minimal playing time and questions about whether Sarkisian has mishandled the situation. Despite a strong showing in spring practices and preseason scrimmages, Manning has largely been relegated to the bench behind starter Quinn Ewers and backup Maalik Murphy. While Ewers’ performance has been solid, injuries and inconsistent play have left many wondering why Sarkisian hasn’t given Manning more opportunities to prove himself.
At its core, the Manning situation isn’t just about one player—it’s about the future of Texas football. If Arch Manning, one of the most celebrated recruits in recent memory, doesn’t feel like he’s being developed or given a fair shot, it could have ripple effects on the program’s reputation and its ability to recruit top-tier talent.
Moreover, the decision to keep Manning on the bench during crucial moments this season has frustrated fans who believe his skillset could elevate the team. With Ewers struggling at times and Murphy showing flashes but lacking consistency, the refusal to turn to Manning has raised questions about Sarkisian’s decision-making.
For Steve Sarkisian, the path forward is clear: he must learn from his handling of Manning and adjust his approach to player development and quarterback management. Sarkisian has built his reputation as an offensive guru, but the inability to effectively integrate a talent like Manning into the system could undermine his credibility.
Here are a few steps Sarkisian could take to turn things around:
- Establish a Clear Development Plan – Sarkisian needs to publicly outline his vision for Manning’s future. Whether it’s redshirting him, giving him specific packages in games, or grooming him to take over as the starter next season, a transparent plan could help alleviate concerns.
- Utilize Manning in Key Moments – Even if Manning isn’t ready to be the full-time starter, Sarkisian should find ways to get him on the field. Whether it’s in specific goal-line situations, garbage time, or a series or two in critical games, giving Manning live reps is crucial for his development.
- Improve Communication – One of the biggest criticisms of Sarkisian’s tenure has been his perceived lack of communication with players and fans. Ensuring that Manning and his family are on the same page about his development and future role is critical to maintaining trust.
- Rebuild Trust with the Fanbase – Sarkisian’s handling of Manning has alienated portions of the fanbase who expected the freshman phenom to be the face of the program. A strong showing in the offseason and a clear plan for Manning’s role in 2024 could help repair that relationship.
Texas football is at a crossroads. The Longhorns have shown flashes of being a team capable of competing for conference and national titles, but inconsistency has plagued them. If Sarkisian wants to solidify his place as the leader of this storied program, he must learn from his past mistakes—starting with how he handles Arch Manning.
The stakes are high. The Longhorns are set to join the SEC in 2024, where the competition will be fiercer than ever. Manning represents the kind of player who can elevate Texas to the level of Alabama, Georgia, and LSU, but only if he’s given the opportunity to develop and shine.
Sarkisian’s handling of the Manning situation will likely define his tenure at Texas. If he can find a way to incorporate Manning into the offense and show progress in 2024, he could set the Longhorns up for sustained success in the SEC. If not, his time in Austin could be cut short, and the program might find itself starting over once again.
For now, all eyes are on Sarkisian and how he responds. The pressure is mounting, and the clock is ticking for Texas to finally reclaim its place among college football’s elite. Will Sarkisian rise to the occasion, or will his mishandling of a generational talent like Arch Manning become the defining story of his tenure? Only time will tell.