Arch Manning is poised to become a major force in the SEC this fall. As the quarterback for Texas, he started the 2025 season with immense expectations, drawing comparisons to prominent prospects like Trevor Lawrence. During his debut against Ohio State, Manning threw for 170 yards, achieving one touchdown and one interception, ultimately resulting in a 14-7 loss to the Buckeyes.
It was not until late October that Manning found his footing. In a game against Mississippi State on October 25, he impressively threw for 346 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, leading Texas to a dramatic 45-38 overtime victory. His robust performances in November and in Texas’ 41-27 triumph over Michigan in the Citrus Bowl garnered the attention of NFL scouts. Many speculate that the top pick for the 2027 NFL Draft could be either Manning or Oregon’s Dante Moore.
SEC coaches have expressed concern over the threat Manning poses this season. One defensive coordinator relayed to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg that their hope is Manning might have an ‘off game’ against their team. Another coordinator highlighted how Manning’s prospects are bolstered by Texas acquiring wide receiver Cam Coleman through the transfer portal. “His velocity and accuracy are very impressive,” the coach remarked. “Last year, he made some errors, but this season, teams will have to double Coleman. Both he and (Ryan) Wingo are exceptional, making it challenging to cover them both,” he added.
Last season, Manning completed 3,163 passing yards, secured 26 touchdowns, and had seven interceptions. Additionally, he ran for 399 yards and scored ten touchdowns on the ground. Beyond Coleman, Texas has enhanced their roster by acquiring running back Hollywood Smothers through the transfer portal and reinforcing their offensive line, which was a prior weak point.
With these improvements, Manning is expected to be the leading quarterback in the SEC, positioning Texas as a strong contender to win the conference.
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