Sarkisian Needs to Start Arch Manning Right Away, Not Late, If He Hopes to Qualify for the Playoffs
The Texas Longhorns, under the leadership of head coach Steve Sarkisian, find themselves in a pivotal moment in their journey to reach the college football playoffs. Sarkisian, who has shown flashes of brilliance in rebuilding the Texas program, now faces a crucial decision regarding the quarterback position. With the highly-touted Arch Manning—one of the most highly anticipated recruits in college football history—now on the roster, the question is clear: should Sarkisian start Manning immediately, or should he wait until later in the season? For the Longhorns to have any real shot at the playoffs, the answer is clear: Sarkisian needs to start Arch Manning right away.
The Importance of a Strong Quarterback
In college football, the quarterback is often the most important player on the field. This is especially true for a team like Texas, which is looking to return to the elite ranks of college football after years of mediocrity. Historically, teams with strong quarterbacks—think of Oklahoma’s Heisman-winning quarterbacks or Alabama’s success with Tua Tagovailoa and Bryce Young—are the ones that make deep playoff runs.
Arch Manning, the grandson of NFL legend Archie Manning and the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, has the pedigree to be that kind of player. However, while much of the spotlight has been on his famous last name, it is his raw talent, poise, and football IQ that have made him one of the most highly coveted recruits in recent memory. He was a five-star prospect for a reason, and while no player is immune to growing pains, Manning has the skills to make an immediate impact for Texas.
Texas’s Road to the Playoffs
For Texas, the road to the college football playoffs is not an easy one. The Longhorns play in the Big 12, a conference that has historically been one of the most competitive in college football. However, the Big 12’s powerhouses are not as dominant as they once were. Oklahoma, for years the gold standard in the conference, has experienced a drop-off, while teams like Baylor and Kansas State have proven themselves to be competitive in recent seasons.
In this current landscape, Texas has the opportunity to make a playoff run, but it will require consistency, skill, and, most importantly, strong play at the quarterback position. If the Longhorns are to contend for a playoff berth, they will need to win at least 11 regular-season games, potentially even 12, to have a chance at securing one of the coveted four playoff spots.
Sarkisian, entering his third year as Texas head coach, has established a foundation of success. His offense, predicated on a dynamic passing game, has shown the potential to be explosive. However, despite flashes of brilliance from his quarterbacks in previous seasons, there has been a lack of consistent play at the position. In 2022, Quinn Ewers, a former five-star recruit himself, showed promise but ultimately struggled with injury and inconsistency. That inconsistency could very well be the Achilles’ heel for the Longhorns in their quest for a playoff spot.
If Texas is going to get back into the mix of national title contention, Sarkisian cannot afford to waste time. The sooner Arch Manning takes over the starting quarterback role, the better. If Manning can step into the starting lineup immediately and play at the high level expected of him, Texas could find itself in the thick of the playoff conversation by season’s end.
Manning’s Readiness to Start
There are certainly arguments to be made for giving Manning some time to acclimate to the college game. He is, after all, a freshman, and while his pedigree is unquestionable, the jump from high school football to the NCAA Division I level is a significant one. Some coaches prefer to bring in their young quarterbacks slowly, giving them time to adjust to the speed and complexity of the college game before throwing them into the fire.
However, Manning has shown throughout his high school career that he is more than capable of handling the spotlight. At Isidore Newman High School in New Orleans, Manning played against some of the best high school competition in the country. His decision-making, arm strength, and leadership were all highly advanced for a high school quarterback, and those skills are expected to translate well to the college level.
Additionally, Manning’s readiness to start can be attributed to his football IQ. The Manning family has long been synonymous with intelligent, cerebral play. Peyton and Eli were never the most physically gifted quarterbacks, but they compensated for that with their understanding of the game, their decision-making, and their ability to read defenses. Arch Manning possesses many of the same traits. It’s not just his arm that makes him a top-tier prospect—it’s his mind.
Sarkisian has made it clear that he values a quarterback who can understand the offense and make quick decisions. If Manning can quickly grasp the system and execute it effectively, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t start from day one. Texas needs a quarterback who can execute the game plan to perfection, and Manning has the tools to do that.
The Risks of Delaying Manning’s Start
If Sarkisian chooses to delay Manning’s starting role in favor of a more experienced quarterback like Quinn Ewers, the risks are significant. The Longhorns cannot afford to drop games early in the season, especially when the Big 12 schedule is stacked with difficult matchups. Every game matters in the race to the playoffs, and losing even one or two early games could derail Texas’ chances before they even truly begin.
The argument for starting Ewers or another experienced quarterback might center around his familiarity with the system, but that’s a double-edged sword. If Texas struggles early in the season with an underperforming quarterback, the Longhorns will not have the luxury of time to make a switch. Sarkisian could be forced into a difficult decision midway through the season, trying to implement Manning in a pressure-packed situation.
If Manning is not starting immediately, Sarkisian could find himself in a difficult position. He may have to rely on a quarterback who has limited upside or one who is inconsistent at best, effectively wasting valuable games where the Longhorns should be building momentum for a playoff push.
Arch Manning’s Immediate Impact on Texas
Manning’s presence could provide an immediate boost to Texas in multiple ways. His leadership and presence in the locker room could inspire confidence in his teammates. Quarterbacks often serve as the emotional heartbeat of a team, and Manning’s pedigree and ability to lead by example could be exactly what Texas needs.
Moreover, Manning’s arm talent and ability to make all the throws will open up the offense in ways that the Longhorns may not have been able to execute with previous quarterbacks. Sarkisian’s offense, built on a dynamic passing game, would be much more effective with a quarterback who can push the ball downfield consistently, stretch defenses, and create opportunities for the skill players around him.
