Arch Manning's 'Expectations Aren't Fair,' Says Rival Coach Ahead of Texas QB's Season, NFL Draft

One SEC defensive coordinator came to the defense of Texas quarterback Arch Manning in the face of the outsized hype that has surrounded him since high school.

"He's handled this situation better than anybody could possibly do," the coach told ESPN's Adam Rittenberg. "The expectations aren't fair, so personally, I hope he has a great year. Hopefully, he has an off game against us."

Another SEC coordinator chimed in to say Manning "can absolutely rip it, like velocity, accuracy."

The coach believes the arrival of Cam Coleman, who had 1,306 receiving yards in two years at Auburn, should help in a big way. Either Coleman or Ryan Wingo is likely to have a favorable matchup on most passing plays, making Manning's life easier in the pocket.

The Longhorns starter couldn't have had a much worse beginning to the 2025 season. He went 17-of-30 for 170 yards, one touchdown and an interception in a 14-7 road loss to Ohio State.

Even accounting for how much talent the Buckeyes had on a loaded defense, Manning looked shaky and unsure of himself at times. That set the tone for a lot of the discourse surrounding him.

Manning eventually found his groove, though. Across the Longhorns' final six games, he averaged 285.7 yards per contest and had 14 touchdowns to two interceptions.

People are back to buying Arch Manning stock. He's getting floated as a Heisman Trophy contender and was the projected No. 1 pick in Bleacher Report's recent 2027 NFL mock draft.

Manning and the Longhorns should also benefit from having a tune-up game before they welcome Ohio State to Austin. Texas hosts Texas State in its opener on Sept. 5.

If Steve Sarkisian's squad avenges its defeat to OSU, then Manning is likely to vault to the top of the Heisman race.