Since committing to the Texas Longhorns in 2022, Arch Manning has been one of the most talked-about names in college football. As the grandson of Archie Manning and nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, the expectations surrounding Arch have been sky-high. But as he enters the 2025 season, some are questioning whether he is overhyped or if he truly has the potential to live up to his legendary family name.
### **High School Stardom and Recruitment Hype**
Arch Manning was a five-star recruit coming out of Isidore Newman High School in New Orleans. Ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2023 class, he had offers from nearly every major program, including Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. His commitment to Texas was seen as a massive win for head coach Steve Sarkisian and a sign that the Longhorns were returning to national prominence.
Despite the high ranking, some critics pointed out that Manning’s high school competition wasn’t as strong as other top-tier quarterbacks. Unlike other elite recruits who played in powerhouse programs, Manning played in a lower-division league, where his talent often overshadowed the competition. This led to questions about how well he would transition to the college level.
### **Freshman Season at Texas**
As a freshman in 2023, Manning saw very little action, sitting behind starting quarterback Quinn Ewers and backup Maalik Murphy. His only appearance came late in the season, playing in Texas’ blowout win against Texas Tech, where he completed 2 of 5 passes for 30 yards. While it was a small sample size, it left many wondering if Manning was truly ready to compete at an elite level.
Texas fans had hoped to see more of Manning, but Sarkisian stuck with Ewers, who led the Longhorns to a Big 12 Championship and a College Football Playoff appearance. With Ewers returning for the 2024 season, Manning remained the backup, once again fueling debate about whether he was being overrated by media and fans.
### **Is the Hype Justified?**
The Manning name alone brings enormous attention, but it also creates unrealistic expectations. Unlike his uncles Peyton and Eli, who were immediate starters at Tennessee and Ole Miss, Arch has had a much slower start. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t live up to the hype—it just means he’s developing at a different pace.
At 6’4″ and 215 pounds, Manning has the physical tools to be an elite quarterback. He possesses strong mechanics, a quick release, and impressive football IQ. However, his limited game experience makes it difficult to assess his true potential.
Some analysts believe that Manning could benefit from transferring to a program where he can start immediately. Others argue that staying at Texas and learning under Ewers and Sarkisian will set him up for long-term success.
### **Final Verdict**
So, is Arch Manning overhyped? At this stage, it’s too early to say definitively. While he hasn’t proven himself on the college stage yet, the potential is there. The real test will come when he finally takes over as Texas’ starting quarterback—whether that happens in 2025 or beyond. Until then, the debate will continue.