Many expect quarterback Arch Manning to be the Texas Longhorns ‘ Superman instantly. Head coach Steve Sarkisian, though, believes it’s fine if he’s just Clark Kent at the start of the season.
The No. 1 Longhorns face the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes on the road at noon ET on Saturday (Fox). Per ESPN’s Heather Dinich, Sarkisian said his expectation for Manning in the highly anticipated matchup is to “not try to do anything superhuman.”
“Just go and play,” he said. “I do
n’t try to put more on him that way, or have extra meetings with him. Just remain consistent and let him go play the way he’s capable of playing.”
Sarkisian, of course, doesn’t want Manning just to be a game manager this season. He’s hoping the QB’s combination of arm talent and athleticism gets the Longhorns to the next level after consecutive College Football Playoff semifinal appearances.
The 21-year-old, however, already faces enough pressure. Who could forget that Manning is the nephew of Super Bowl champions Peyton and Eli and the grandson of former New Orleans Saints QB Archie? Some believe he could carry on the family legacy.
As of Monday, FanDuel Sportsbook lists Arch Manning as the preseason Heisman favorite (+700), despite attempting just 95 passes in his first two seasons with the Longhorns.
Sarkisian realizes that placing more weight on the QB’s shou
lders does little to help him, especially against a talented Buckeyes defense. The unit features safety Caleb Downs, a 2025 preseason first-team All-American.
On Sept. 10, 2005, former Texas QB Vince Young led the Longhorns to a 25-22 road victory over the Buckeyes. That season, Texas won the national championship. The program hasn’t captured a title since.
Longhorns fans are certainly hoping Arch Manning ends the championship drought. But if he doesn’t look like the successor to Young on Saturday, that’s OK. It seems Sarkisian isn’t even expecting him to play at that level immediately.
