Arch Manning’s decision to remain at Texas and wait for his chance at the starting quarterback role has raised eyebrows in the world of college football. For a five-star recruit to sit for two seasons is almost unheard of in the transfer portal era.
Yet, according to his uncle-NFL legend Peyton Manning-Arch is playing the long game, and it’s a smart move.
Peyton, who famously played four years at Tennessee before becoming the No. 1 pick in the 1998 NFL Draft, understands what patience and program stability can do for a quarterback’s growth. He sees a similar path for Arch, who is set to take over the starting job in 2025 as a redshirt sophomore.
“I’m proud of Arch,” Peyton told Sporting News. “He went to Texas because that’s where he wanted to go. He likes the school, he likes the head coach, and that kind of continuity can be a big advantage.”
Head coach Steve Sarkisian, who also calls the plays for the Longhorns, has helped build a stable offensive system-something Peyton considers critical for a young quarterback.
During his own college career, Peyton benefited from having the same head coach and offensive coordinator for four years. That consistency, he says, laid the foundation for his NFL success.
Stability and system over short-term hype
Arch Manning’s journey hasn’t been without opportunities. He started two games last season while Quinn Ewers was sidelined with an injury. In limited action, Arch completed 66.3% of his passes for 969 yards, threw nine touchdowns against two interceptions, and rushed for four more scores.
Despite the small sample size, expectations are sky-high heading into the 2025 season, with Arch ranked as one of the top quarterbacks in college football.
But unlike many top recruits in recent years, Arch never entered the transfer portal. Of the top eight quarterback recruits from the 2023 class, he’s the only one who stayed at his original school. Peyton believes that choice reflects a level of maturity that will serve him well.
Most No. 1 overall NFL Draft picks, Peyton points out, started multiple seasons in college. It’s a pattern he hopes Arch can follow. “I stayed all four years at Tennessee. That tells you how much I valued the college experience,” Peyton said. “My hope is that student-athletes aren’t in such a rush to move on that they miss out on what makes college football special.”
For now, Arch Manning is right where he wants to be-developing, learning, and preparing to make his mark. If the Manning family blueprint holds true, his breakout moment is just around the corner.
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