Arch Manning poised for breakout season as Texas Longhorns target playoff comeback

Quarterback Arch Manning, the No. 1 recruit of the 2023 class, spent the 2024 season as a backup to Quinn Ewers before taking over as Texas Longhorns starter. After a slow start last year, including interceptions in his first three games and a sub‑60 % completion rate early on, Manning’s play improved markedly following a 26‑3 victory over No. 6 Oklahoma in week 6. He finished the season with 14 touchdown passes, two interceptions and five rushing touchdowns, helping Texas win seven of its final eight games.

Entering his second full season as the starter, Manning has been named a Heisman Trophy frontrunner. The Longhorns open the 2025 campaign against Texas State on Sept. 5 and face a challenging SEC slate that includes road games at LSU, Texas A&M and Tennessee, as well as home contests against Ole Miss and Ohio State. The team hopes to return to the College Football Playoff after missing it last season.