Texas' Manning doesn't understand Heisman hype: I've only played 2 games
Texas quarterback Arch Manning wants everyone to slow down on declaring him one of the Heisman favorites heading into his first season as the Longhorns' starter.
"I'm not sure how they get these opinions," Manning said Tuesday at SEC media days, according to Fox Sports' Trey Wallace. "I've only played what, two games? It's nice of them to say, but it doesn't mean anything. Talk is cheap, I gotta go prove it."
LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, Clemson signal-caller Cade Klubnik, Ohio State wideout Jeremiah Smith, and Manning are among the betting favorites to secure college football's top individual trophy in 2025.
Manning only has 250 career snaps and two starts during his run at Texas. He was the No. 5 recruit on the ESPN 300 in 2023, and the fourth-ranked quarterback behind Malachi Nelson, Dante Moore, and Jackson Arnold.
The 21-year-old showed flashes in his pair of starts, totaling 583 passing yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions. While filling in for an injured Quinn Ewers against UTSA in September, he showcased his mobility by rushing for a 67-yard touchdown.
ARCH MANNING TAKES IT 67 YARDS TO THE HOUSE WITH HIS LEGS 😱
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 15, 2024
It's the longest rush by a Texas QB since Vince Young in 2005. pic.twitter.com/AjU9uSli2c
Manning could declare for the NFL draft following this season and is considered one of the top quarterback prospects. Peyton and Eli Manning's nephew will kick off the 2025 season against the defending champion Ohio State on Aug. 30.
"Any time you get to open with the champs at their place is going to be a hell of a challenge, and I think we're excited for it," Manning said, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.
"They've got a lot of good players, new defensive coordinator, Matt Patricia, which will be interesting. So we're excited. It's going to be a fun challenge. Glad I get to get a good one first."
Texas is considered one of the frontrunners to win the SEC this campaign. Head coach Steve Sarkisian told reporters Tuesday that his club has a "championship roster."
The Longhorns finished 13-3 last season and lost to Ohio State in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff.