Arch Manning: The Hype Engine Behind Texas’ Preseason No. 1 Ranking
Justified or not, Arch Manning is a big reason why the Texas Longhorns find themselves atop many preseason polls entering the 2025 college football season. On paper, Texas has the talent, the coaching, and the momentum to be considered a national title contender. But beneath all the stats, returning starters, and last season’s playoff run lies something less tangible—hype. And no player in college football carries more hype than Arch Manning.
As the latest member of football’s most famous family, Arch arrived in Austin with sky-high expectations. The grandson of Archie, the nephew of Peyton and Eli, and the top-ranked recruit in the nation out of high school, his mere presence on Texas’ roster has been enough to boost national interest and program visibility. And though he hasn’t yet officially been named the full-time starter for 2025—following the departure of Quinn Ewers to the NFL—it’s widely assumed that this will be the year Manning takes the reins.
That assumption is driving much of the national buzz around the Longhorns. While other contenders like Georgia, Ohio State, and Alabama have loaded rosters as well, none have a figure quite like Arch Manning at quarterback. His potential—and the media storm that follows him—make Texas an attractive preseason No. 1 pick for voters, fans, and networks alike.
From a pure football standpoint, there are legitimate reasons to believe Texas deserves its ranking. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has built a balanced, deep roster and proven he can lead the team on the big stage, as shown in last year’s College Football Playoff semifinal. The defense returns several key starters, and the offense is stacked with NFL-caliber talent at wide receiver and along the offensive line. Whether it’s with Manning or another QB under center, the pieces are in place for a national title run.
Still, there’s no denying that Manning’s presence elevates the perception of this team. In limited action last season, he showed flashes of the elite arm strength, poise, and athleticism that made him the most coveted recruit in recent memory. That small sample, combined with his pedigree and the allure of what he could become, adds an element of intrigue that few programs can match.
But hype is a double-edged sword. If Manning struggles or Texas falls short of expectations, the same spotlight that pushed them to No. 1 could magnify their shortcomings. Fair or not, much of that scrutiny will fall on Manning himself.
Ultimately, the preseason No. 1 ranking may not be fully “justified” by on-field production alone—but in the modern era of college football, perception, brand, and potential matter as much as past results. And right now, no one represents that blend better than Arch Manning.
So yes, the Longhorns are loaded. Yes, they are a legitimate title threat. But make no mistake: they’re sitting at No. 1 in large part because of the name on the back of their future quarterback’s jersey—Manning.
