Arch Manning Gets a Reality Check from National Reporter

Arch Manning Gets a Reality Check from National Reporter originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Arch Manning hype has divided people in college football world. As one group tries to justify him being touted as a first round pick, others are highly doubtful of his skill level, given an extremely small sample size.

Despite his head-turning last name and Steve Sarkisian's stellar history developing quarterbacks, media analysts are quick to disregard Manning.

National College Sports Reporter for OutKick-FOX, Trey Wallace, appeared on the 'That SEC Podcast', with Michael Bratton. Wallace broke down the hype around Manning with a bold prediction for the Texas Longhorns.

When asked what's the hottest take for this year for him, Wallace said, "Texas goes 9-3 this year. I enjoy the Arch Manning hype... but damn, he's played two sisters of the poor and now all of the sudden, he's QB1 and a first-round pick?"

The national reporter argues that there's a chance he's the guy but until he's taken on serious defenses, he cannot be taken that seriously.

With Texas slowly becoming the SEC frontrunner, there a lot of expectations around them. If this hot take by Wallace turns out to be true, Sarkisian and Manning will face a lot of heat from the media.

The Longhorns have a difficult schedule ahead of them. They kick off the season against the Ohio State Buckeyes, which could result in them starting off the season with a loss on the board.

Even after the Buckeyes, they have Florida Gators, Oklahoma Sooners and the vicious Georgia Bulldogs led by Kirby Smart. Sarkisian and Manning will need to navigate their way through tricky defenses if they want to prove their fans right.

Manning has shown he doesn't give in to the talk and just focuses on the work in front of him. He's also proved his patience and resilience by playing as the back up for two years in an era where he could've gone anywhere else to play.

All of his preparation will be tested as the Longhorns kickoff their season on August 30, against the defending national champs.

Related: Ryan Wingo Dishes On Viral Moment With Arch Manning

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 28, 2025, where it first appeared.