Texas’ Colt McCoy Says It’s ‘Time to Attack’ for Arch Manning This Offseason
As the Texas Longhorns prepare for the 2025 football season, one name that continues to dominate the conversation is that of freshman quarterback Arch Manning. Manning, the highly touted recruit from New Orleans and the latest member of the legendary Manning football family, is stepping into the bright spotlight of Texas football after a decorated high school career.
Colt McCoy, former Longhorns quarterback and one of the most successful quarterbacks in the school’s history, has recently weighed in on what’s next for Arch. McCoy, who led Texas to a national championship game in 2009 and set numerous school records during his tenure, believes that the upcoming offseason is crucial for Manning’s development.
Speaking to reporters, McCoy emphasized the importance of this offseason for Manning, saying it’s “time to attack” and fully embrace the challenges ahead. McCoy’s perspective is not only rooted in his own experiences but also in his understanding of the pressure that comes with being a quarterback at a program as storied as Texas.
The Legacy of the Manning Family
Arch Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, carries with him an immense legacy. Coming from a football family with such illustrious figures has undoubtedly placed significant expectations on Arch’s shoulders. The Mannings have long been associated with excellence, and for Arch, following in the footsteps of his famous relatives comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities.
For many athletes, being a part of a renowned family can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, there are connections, mentorship, and a built-in understanding of the pressure and expectations. On the other hand, it can be difficult to carve out an identity separate from the shadow of greatness cast by those who came before you. Arch Manning has dealt with this dynamic throughout his high school career and will continue to experience it as he embarks on his college journey at Texas.
Colt McCoy, who was once in a somewhat similar position as a highly recruited quarterback for Texas, understands the pressures that come with being in the spotlight. However, McCoy believes that Arch is uniquely equipped to handle those pressures, pointing to Manning’s maturity and calm demeanor as signs that he is ready to take on whatever comes his way.
The Transition to College Football
Arch Manning’s journey to Texas marks a significant turning point in his football career. After a high school career in which he was largely considered the top quarterback prospect in the nation, the transition to college football will be a challenging but necessary step in his development.
While Manning has shown flashes of brilliance during his time at Isidore Newman High School, college football is an entirely different level. The speed, complexity, and physicality of the game will be a sharp contrast to what he’s previously encountered. For many quarterbacks, the adjustment period is a crucial phase in their development. McCoy knows this well, as he himself underwent a similar transition after arriving at Texas in 2006.
“It’s a huge step,” McCoy said. “The speed of the game is unlike anything you’ve experienced before, and you’re going to have to make decisions faster, think quicker, and trust your instincts more than ever. The offseason is the time to work on all of that.”
For Manning, this offseason represents the opportunity to refine the fundamentals and focus on areas that will be critical for success at the collegiate level. Whether it’s improving his footwork, learning to read defenses more effectively, or gaining more confidence in his decision-making, McCoy believes that Manning must be laser-focused on his development during this crucial period.
The ‘Attack’ Mentality
When McCoy says it’s “time to attack,” he’s not just referring to a physical approach to football. The mentality of attacking challenges head-on is something that McCoy himself adopted during his career and believes will serve Manning well as he embarks on this new chapter.
“Attacking means going after everything with a sense of urgency,” McCoy explained. “You can’t just show up and expect to be great. You have to attack every drill, every rep, and every moment of your development. If you’re not fully invested, you’re not going to improve as quickly as you need to.”
McCoy’s advice to Manning is clear: embrace the grind of the offseason and use it as an opportunity to set the tone for the rest of your career. The offseason is not just about physical conditioning but also about mental growth. McCoy noted that Manning’s ability to handle adversity, stay disciplined, and learn from every mistake will be essential for his success as a college quarterback.
Moreover, McCoy encouraged Manning to not only focus on his own development but also to become a leader within the team. As the quarterback, Manning will be expected to set the tone both on and off the field. McCoy, who was known for his leadership during his time at Texas, stressed that this is something Manning should start working on from day one.
“There are always things you can work on as a quarterback,” McCoy said. “But one of the most important things is your leadership. You have to earn the respect of your teammates, and that doesn’t happen overnight. It’s about showing up every day, working hard, and building trust.”
The Pressure of Expectations
Given the legacy of the Manning family, it’s impossible for Arch Manning to avoid the expectations that come with his last name. However, McCoy believes that Arch is ready for this challenge. He pointed to Manning’s poised demeanor and his ability to handle media attention and public scrutiny as signs that he is prepared for what lies ahead.
“The pressure is always there, no matter who you are,” McCoy said. “But I think Arch has the right mentality. He’s been around the game his whole life, and he understands what it takes to succeed. The key is not letting the pressure consume you. You have to focus on the work, stay grounded, and trust that the results will come.”
The pressure to perform at a high level will undoubtedly intensify once the season starts, but McCoy’s advice to Manning is simple: focus on the process, not the outcome. He believes that if Manning stays true to his work ethic and continues to develop, the success will follow.
What’s Next for Texas?
As for the Texas Longhorns, the stakes are high. The team is in the midst of an exciting period, with head coach Steve Sarkisian leading the charge and expectations growing for the program’s future. With Manning joining a talented roster, Texas is hoping that he will be the quarterback who leads them to new heights in the Big 12 and beyond.
Manning will not be the only quarterback in the competition for the starting job, as Texas also boasts experienced signal-callers like Quinn Ewers, who will be looking to keep his place as the starter. The quarterback battle at Texas is expected to be one of the most talked-about storylines of the offseason.
However, McCoy remains optimistic about Manning’s chances of making an immediate impact. He believes that Manning’s talent, combined with his work ethic and mental approach, will allow him to thrive in the long run, regardless of how quickly he wins the starting role.
“The key for Arch is to trust the process,” McCoy said. “It might take time, but as long as he keeps attacking every day, he’ll be ready when his moment comes.”
