Arch Manning has started a grand total of two games in two seasons at quarterback for the Texas Longhorns.
Yet, according to DraftKings, the Louisiana native and third-generation member of the Manning family is the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy.
“I’m not really sure how they got these opinions because I’ve only played in, what? Two games?” an incredulous Manning said at the Southeastern Conference media days on Tuesday. “I guess it’s nice of them to say, but it doesn’t mean anything. Talk is cheap, I’ve got to go prove it.”
Manning’s third career start is likely to take place on Aug. 30 when Texas travels to Columbus, Ohio to take on defending national champion Ohio State.
He witnessed the steamroller that Ohio State became in the 2024 postseason from the sidelines as then-Longhorns starting QB Quinn Ewers could not put enough points on the board in a 28-14 setback in the semifinals.
“We’re opening with the champs,” Manning said. “It’s going to be a fun one. I learned a lot from Quinn; he was damn good on the road. I’m going to text him, get some of his advice, and we’ll fire up. Ohio State is a really good team, so it’s going to be a good challenge.”
Many around college football assumed Manning would jump ship before the 2024 season with Ewers reclaiming the starting role.
“I’m not going to lie, it was pretty tough,” Manning said. “The competitor in me always wants to play and be on the field to help my team out. Looking back, it definitely helped me grow as a person and a player. I’m blessed for that.”
Although the competition was certainly inferior to the test he will receive from the Buckeyes, Manning showed his stuff in home starts against Louisiana-Monroe and Mississippi State last September. In the 35-13 win over Mississippi State, he completed 26 of 31 passes for 325 yards and a pair of long-range touchdown strikes.
The Longhorns are expected to contend for the national title again in 2025. Manning is confident in his own abilities, but knows he has a tremendous cast around him to help.
“We’ve got a good group around me. I think our defense is really good, we’ve got a good o-line and we’ve got good skill players. So, I’m going to rely on them and try to make it happen.”
