Steve Sarkisian Addresses “Elephant In The Room” For Texas’ Offense With Arch Manning
As the 2025 college football season approaches, all eyes in Austin—and around the country—are on one man: Arch Manning. The former No. 1 overall recruit and heir to football royalty is set to take the reins of the Texas Longhorns offense, ushering in what many hope will be a new golden era for the program. But with high expectations come serious questions, and Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian isn’t shying away from addressing what he calls the “elephant in the room.”
During a recent media availability, Sarkisian directly tackled the biggest storyline heading into the season: how Arch Manning will handle the pressure of being the starting quarterback and how the Texas offense will evolve around him.
A New Era Under Center
“Let’s not pretend it’s business as usual,” Sarkisian said. “Arch stepping in as the starting quarterback is a big deal—because he’s earned it, and because of what people expect from him. That’s the elephant in the room.”
Manning, who spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons learning behind Quinn Ewers, showed flashes of brilliance during mop-up duty and spring games. But now, the spotlight is his, and the Texas coaching staff is fully committed to molding the offense around his strengths. Sarkisian emphasized that while the Manning name carries weight, it’s Arch’s preparation and maturity that have earned him the opportunity.
“He’s not just a Manning,” Sarkisian noted. “He’s Arch. He’s his own player, and he’s been locked in since the day he stepped on campus. We’re not just banking on a name. We’re banking on his ability and his leadership.”
Tailoring the Offense
One of the key changes Sarkisian highlighted was how the offense will shift to reflect Manning’s style. Unlike Ewers, who thrived on deep shots and off-script plays, Manning is more methodical, accurate, and cerebral—a classic pocket passer with sneaky athleticism.
“We’ve built this system to be adaptable,” Sarkisian said. “With Arch, it’s about precision, tempo, and timing. You’ll see more quick reads, more play-action, and a lot of pre-snap motion to help him diagnose defenses early.”
That adaptability is made easier by a strong returning cast. Wide receivers Johntay Cook II and Ryan Niblett have emerged as reliable weapons, while tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders provides a safety valve over the middle. The offensive line, anchored by veterans Kelvin Banks Jr. and DJ Campbell, offers stability in protection.
“We’re not asking Arch to be Superman,” Sarkisian said. “We’re asking him to be the point guard—get the ball to the playmakers, make smart decisions, and let the offense work.”
Leadership and Locker Room Buy-In
One of the quieter but most important factors in Manning’s ascension has been his work behind the scenes. By all accounts, he’s earned the respect of his teammates through tireless preparation and a humble, team-first mentality.
“He’s not flashy,” said senior running back Jaydon Blue. “He just works. He listens, asks questions, and shows up when it matters. That’s why we believe in him.”
Sarkisian echoed that sentiment, adding that Manning’s personality fits the culture Texas is trying to build. In a college football landscape where NIL deals and transfer rumors dominate headlines, Arch has kept a low profile, focusing on football and relationships.
“It’s rare to find someone with that last name who’s that grounded,” Sarkisian said. “He doesn’t walk around like he’s above anyone else. He walks around like he wants to earn everything.”
Managing Expectations
Of course, the pressure is enormous. Texas fans have long been desperate for a return to national prominence, and many see Arch Manning as the key to that resurgence. Sarkisian was candid in acknowledging the weight of those expectations—but also firm in how the program plans to handle them.
“There’s no hiding from it,” Sark said. “The fan base wants a championship. Arch wants to win a championship. And so do I. But we’ve got to stay grounded. It’s about the process. The daily work. The grind.”
Texas enters 2025 as a top-10 team in most early projections, with a favorable schedule and a strong defense led by T’Vondre Sweat and Terrance Brooks. But Sarkisian knows that the offense—and Manning—will be under a microscope from the opening snap.
“We don’t want Arch to feel like he has to carry the team,” Sarkisian said. “We want him to feel like he’s part of a team that’s built to win. He doesn’t have to win games by himself. He just has to lead.”
Looking Ahead
Spring practice has provided early glimpses of what the Manning-led offense could look like: crisp timing, decisive throws, and a rhythm that Sarkisian believes can flourish under pressure. As fall camp approaches, the focus will be on tightening the playbook and continuing to develop the trust and cohesion necessary to compete for a College Football Playoff berth.
The 2025 season won’t just be a test for Arch Manning—it’ll be a referendum on Sarkisian’s vision for Texas football. So far, he’s embracing the challenge.
“There’s always going to be pressure at a place like Texas,” Sarkisian said. “But I love this
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