Arch Manning Gains Confidence as Texas Prepares for Georgia Test

Early in the 2025 season, Texas quarterback Arch Manning faced harsh criticism after struggling in his first year as the Longhorns’ full-time starter. High expectations—including Heisman Trophy talk and speculation about the No. 1 NFL Draft pick—had set a daunting stage for the freshman, and his early performances left many questioning whether he could live up to the hype.

Since then, Manning has steadily improved, demonstrating greater accuracy, decision-making, and trust in his offensive line. His recent performances have not gone unnoticed, earning praise from coaching legends such as Nick Saban, who analyzed Manning’s development on ESPN’s College Gameday.

“I think the last two weeks, Arch has played really, really well,” Saban said. He highlighted how Manning’s early-season struggles stemmed from rushing throws and playing out of rhythm, which affected his footwork and accuracy. Saban contrasted early mistakes with recent throws that showcase Manning’s improved technique and confidence in the pocket.

The improvement has coincided with a shift in Manning’s approach, including better pre-snap reads and reduced reliance on scrambles. As Texas prepares for a challenging matchup against No. 5 Georgia, Manning’s growth could be pivotal in the Longhorns’ hopes for a signature win.

1. Early-Season Struggles

Manning’s debut as Texas’ starting quarterback in August was uneven. Against defending national champion Ohio State, he completed 17 of 30 passes for 170 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in a 14-7 loss. Though flashes of talent were evident, the performance reinforced early concerns about his readiness for elite competition. He followed with a bounce-back outing against San Jose State, but inconsistencies resurfaced against UTEP, where he completed just 11 of 25 passes for 114 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Manning did compensate with 51 rushing yards and two touchdowns, highlighting his dual-threat ability despite struggles in the air. A three-week stretch—including a strong performance versus Sam Houston and a bye week—was marred by a disappointing 29-21 loss to Florida. Manning threw two interceptions and completed just 55% of his passes, underscoring early-season inconsistency and leaving Texas fans frustrated. These performances prompted questions about Manning’s poise, pocket presence, and ability to read defenses, putting him under a microscope as the Longhorns navigated a challenging schedule.

2. Turning Point: Recent Consistency

Since that stretch, Manning has markedly improved, completing 65.4% of his passes for 972 yards, seven touchdowns, and only one interception over four consecutive wins. This includes two victories over ranked opponents, signaling his ability to perform under pressure. Nick Saban attributed the turnaround to Manning’s growing confidence and trust in his offensive line. By slowing down in the pocket and taking more deliberate snaps, Manning has enhanced both his accuracy and decision-making, allowing him to execute more complex throws with precision. The shift in strategy has also reduced Manning’s need to rely on his legs. While he rushed for 160 yards and five touchdowns in the season’s first five games, he has totaled just 43 yards and one touchdown in the last four, demonstrating a more balanced and efficient passing approach. This recent consistency provides Texas with a stable offensive foundation as the team prepares for its toughest challenge yet: a road game against Georgia, whose defense famously dominated then-starter Quinn Ewers last year.

3. Upcoming Challenge: Georgia Test

Tonight’s matchup against No. 5 Georgia presents one of Manning’s most formidable tests to date. The Bulldogs’ defense is both disciplined and physical, and last year they forced head coach Steve Sarkisian to bench Ewers temporarily in favor of Manning during a 30-15 Texas loss. Manning’s growth this season will be critical for Texas to remain competitive. His ability to read Georgia’s defensive schemes, maintain poise under pressure, and distribute the ball efficiently will determine whether the Longhorns can contend with an elite SEC opponent. Coaches and teammates alike have emphasized execution and minimizing mistakes as key to success. With momentum from recent victories and Manning’s improved play, Texas enters the contest with a renewed sense of confidence. Preparation, poise, and composure will be central as the Longhorns attempt to secure a statement win in one of college football’s most anticipated late-season matchups.