Arch Manning and Texas football entered the 2025 college football season with sky-high expectations.
Through two weeks, the No. 7 Longhorns have slipped six spots in the US LBM Coaches Poll and are just 1-1. Manning and Texas particularly struggled in the season opener against Ohio State in a 14-7 loss, but bounced back with a 38-7 win over San Jose State on Sept. 6
However, due to the slow start, critics have come out in full force for both Manning and the Longhorns. At the Knoxville Quarterback Club on Sept. 8, former Georgia quarterback and current ESPN analyst Aaron Murray did not hold back on his assessment of Manning.
‘I think Arch Manning is pretty average,’ Murray said. ‘Don’t tell his uncle that. Very average, to be honest. I am not scared of Texas. I am not scared of Texas’ offense. … I don’t think when Arch plays Oklahoma and Georgia and whoever else on their schedule has a good defense, that the offense is going to have much success. I don’t really believe Texas is a big, big threat to winning a national championship.”
Manning completed 17 of 30 passes for 170 yards, a touchdown and an interception in the loss to the Buckeyes. He improved to 19 of 30 passing for 295 yards, four touchdowns and an interception in the win over the Spartans.
Against San Jose State, Manning’s interception was on a pass into double coverage in the red zone and the Longhorns punted six times when he was in the game. So there is room for improvement for the redshirt sophomore.
The Longhorns host UTEP at 3:15 p.m. ET on Sept. 13 with a chance to move to 2-1.