The scrutiny surrounding Arch Manning has reached rarefied levels. Three games into his Texas career, the former five-star quarterback has completed 47 of 85 passes, just over 55 percent, for 579 yards. Seventy-six Division I quarterbacks have more passing yardage, including Toledo’s Tucker Gleason.
Some wonder if Manning was overhyped. Others say it is too early to tell.
There is precedent for both arguments. In the 1990s, Beano Cook famously proclaimed Notre Dame quarterback Ron Powlus to be a future two-time Heisman winner. Powlus never came close, failing to throw even 20 touchdown passes in a single season. More recently, Bronny James has faced similar pressure in Los Angeles under the shadow of his father’s legacy.
The Manning name carries the same weight. In today’s environment of instant expectations, the spotlight burns hotter.
Spencer Tillman, now a college football analyst for Fox Sports, has seen the pressure firsthand. His long broadcasting career included nearly two decades with CBS Sports, which included seven years alongside the family patriarch, Archie Manning.
“You know, Archie Manning had a unique way of framing talent,” Tillman said. “I’m reminded of what he once said of Tim Tebow ‘he’s the best football player playing the quarterback position the last twenty five years.’ That was a perfect way of removing pressure and raising expectations all at once. Big Arch knows today’s game is different. I know it hurts him to see little Arch endure the kind of criticism which is at an all time high.”
Can't touch @ArchManning 🤘 pic.twitter.com/aEXJVjUHvW
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) September 13, 2025
We asked what Archie Manning might tell his grandson in private, and Tillman offered a glimpse.
“He would say to keep the noise in the system to a minimum. It is rare that a four or five star quarterback will sign and play with the same institution four years later. That really ratchets up the pressure. When you then toss in social media, you have a caldron for failure.”
For now, the jury remains out. Texas fans have seen how slow starts can evolve. Vince Young, as a freshman, threw more interceptions than touchdowns. Manning will ultimately be judged not by early-season games against San Jose State or UTEP but in October against Oklahoma and in November when the Longhorns travel to Georgia.
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