The Texas Longhorns are a national title favorite and Arch Manning is a Heisman Trophy favorite heading into the 2025 college football season after a playoff run in 2024-25. The ascent of Manning as the team's starting quarterback has fans dreaming of improved success considering the former five-star prospect's elite skills and the experience Texas has picked up in recent years. On Saturday, Manning's thoughts were revealed on the player who helped him fix his mindset while he was stuck on the bench behind Quinn Ewers, offering a window into the challenges he faced as a backup.
Arch Manning Reveals Texas Player Who Helped Him Fix His Mindset as a Backup originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Texas Longhorns are a national title favorite and Arch Manning is a Heisman Trophy favorite heading into the 2025 college football season after a playoff run in 2024-25.
The ascent of Manning as the team's starting quarterback has fans dreaming of improved success considering the former five-star prospect's elite skills and the experience Texas has picked up in recent years.
On Saturday, Manning's thoughts were revealed on the player who helped him fix his mindset while he was stuck on the bench behind Quinn Ewers, offering a window into the challenges he faced as a backup.
Manning credited 2024 second team All-American Longhorns safety and former walk-on Michael Taaffe for helping to instill a championship mindset in him amidst the mental challenges of waiting for his turn to play last season.
"He was like, 'What are your goals for the season?'" Manning said to SI.com.
"I was like, 'I don't know. Get in at the end of some games and be ready when my number's called,' Manning added.
"And he was like, 'Why wouldn't it be a goal to win a national championship, win a Heisman?' And I was like, 'Bro, I'm not even going to play.' He was like, 'That's the mindset you have to have. I had that as a walk-on.' I think that's helped me a lot."
Manning will be thrown from the frying pan into the fire on Aug. 30 as the Longhorns kickoff their season against the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus, Ohio, a game that could launch a Heisman campaign in Austin, Texas.
Related: Ohio State Fans Distraught Over 'Big Noon Kickoff' News
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports