“Time to Attack” for Arch Manning This Offseason, According to Texas’ Colt McCoy

The quarterback position is one of the most highly scrutinized roles in sports, and when you’re a Manning, the expectations are even more intense. Arch Manning, the highly-touted freshman quarterback at the University of Texas, has big shoes to fill, following in the footsteps of his legendary family. But according to Texas alumni and former NFL quarterback Colt McCoy, the time has come for Arch to embrace his opportunity and “attack” the offseason with confidence and determination.

In a world where college football is increasingly competitive and high-profile quarterbacks are expected to make an immediate impact, Arch Manning’s arrival at Texas has created a considerable buzz. The nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch carries with him not only the weight of a storied legacy but also the hopes of a fanbase eager for the next great Longhorn quarterback. As the 2025 offseason begins, all eyes are on Manning and his development as he prepares for his first full season at the helm of the Longhorns’ offense.

Arch Manning’s Background and Expectations

Arch Manning committed to Texas in 2023, choosing the Longhorns over several other prestigious programs, including Alabama, Georgia, and Ole Miss. His decision marked a monumental moment in Texas football history, not only because of his last name but also because of his immense talent. Standing at 6’4” and weighing over 215 pounds, Arch possesses the physical tools that can make him a future NFL prospect. His high school career at Isidore Newman in New Orleans saw him excel in a variety of ways: throwing for over 6,000 yards and 80 touchdowns, leading his team to multiple playoff appearances.

Manning’s family lineage, combined with his impressive high school stats, immediately positioned him as a player to watch in the college football world. His uncle, Peyton Manning, is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game, and his other uncle, Eli Manning, carved out his own Hall of Fame-worthy career in the NFL. That legacy, while serving as motivation for Arch, also places a tremendous amount of pressure on him to live up to the expectations set by his family and the college football world at large.

However, Arch Manning’s journey to Texas has been much different from what many would have predicted. After committing to the Longhorns, Manning was able to take a backseat in his first year, watching Quinn Ewers, a highly-ranked quarterback in his own right, take the reins as the starter. Though Manning saw limited action in his freshman season, the experience has proven invaluable. The time spent observing and learning from both Ewers and Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian will undoubtedly shape Manning’s approach to the game in the coming year.

Colt McCoy’s Perspective

For Colt McCoy, who played quarterback at Texas from 2006 to 2009 and became one of the most iconic quarterbacks in school history, the arrival of Arch Manning brings a sense of optimism for the future of the program. McCoy, now a former NFL quarterback, is an important figure in the Longhorns’ football legacy. He is the all-time leader in career wins by a quarterback at Texas and led the team to a national championship game in 2009.

Having been in the same position as Arch—navigating the immense pressure and high expectations placed on a Texas quarterback—McCoy understands what Manning is going through. That’s why, when McCoy talks about Arch’s offseason, it’s filled with both advice and encouragement.

“Arch has all the tools to be great,” McCoy says. “Physically, he’s got the arm strength, the size, the mobility—he checks all the boxes. But what he needs to do now is take that next step. It’s time to attack the offseason. It’s time to get in there, work with the coaches, work with his teammates, and really learn the offense. He’s been a part of this program for a year now, but the time has come for him to embrace the leadership role, learn the system, and become the quarterback that Texas needs him to be.”

For McCoy, “attacking” the offseason is not just about physical preparation, but about mental preparation as well. It’s about mastering the X’s and O’s of Texas’ offense, improving his decision-making, and, perhaps most importantly, finding his voice as the leader of the team.

The Importance of the Offseason

The offseason is arguably the most critical time for a quarterback’s development. While many players may choose to take a break after the regular season ends, for a quarterback—especially one with Arch’s potential—there’s a lot of work to be done. The Longhorns’ coaching staff, led by Steve Sarkisian, will undoubtedly provide Manning with specific drills and exercises to improve his throwing mechanics, footwork, and reading of defenses.

The offseason isn’t just about refining the technical aspects of the game, though. It’s also about building chemistry with the players around you. As a freshman, Manning likely had limited opportunities to work closely with his wide receivers and offensive line. This offseason, however, he’ll have the chance to get in sync with the team’s top pass-catchers, which will be invaluable as Texas looks to compete in the highly competitive Big 12 conference.

“I’ve been around quarterbacks my whole career, and I can tell you that the best ones are the ones who truly understand the offense,” McCoy explains. “That doesn’t just mean knowing the plays; it means understanding why those plays work, where the weaknesses are, and how to attack those weaknesses. Arch has the chance to spend this offseason getting that kind of understanding, and that’s going to be huge for him moving forward.”

Manning’s ability to adapt to Texas’ offense, a system that values creativity, precision, and versatility, will be a key factor in his success. Under Sarkisian, the Longhorns’ offense is designed to create opportunities for the quarterback to read the defense and make quick decisions. In the coming months, Manning must familiarize himself with the nuances of this system and learn how to thrive within it.

The Mental Side of the Game

While much of the talk around Arch Manning focuses on his physical attributes, the mental side of the game is just as important. Colt McCoy knows firsthand how crucial it is to develop mental toughness and resilience. Throughout his career, McCoy faced significant challenges, including dealing with the pressures of being the starting quarterback for a team with championship aspirations.

“Being the quarterback at Texas means you’re going to be under a microscope, and that can be hard for some guys,” McCoy says. “But Arch has the right mentality. He’s calm, he’s confident, and he understands that it’s not just about the physical tools. He’s got to be mentally tough, especially when things aren’t going well.”

For Manning, the ability to handle adversity will be crucial. College football is a game of ups and downs, and quarterbacks must learn to bounce back from mistakes quickly. Developing a short memory and the ability to remain focused on the next play will serve Manning well, especially in high-pressure situations.

Looking Ahead

As Arch Manning enters his second year at Texas, the pressure to perform will only increase. However, with Colt McCoy’s advice and support, Manning has the opportunity to make significant strides both as a player and as a leader. The offseason is his chance to refine his skills, build chemistry with his teammates, and prepare for a pivotal 2025 season.

In the end, it all comes down to one thing: taking action. As McCoy puts it, this is the time for Manning to “attack” the offseason with everything he has. By putting in the work, staying mentally focused, and embracing the leadership role, Arch Manning can turn the immense expectations placed upon him into something truly special. The future is bright for the Texas Longhorns, and with Manning leading the charge, the next chapter in the program’s storied history may be about to unfold.