Few names in college football carry as much weight as Manning. With a Hall of Fame bloodline and a five-star recruiting profile, Arch Manning entered Texas under one of the brightest spotlights in recent memory. But with two starts now behind him, the question many are asking is simple: is Arch Manning overrated?
Through his first two games, the Longhorns quarterback has delivered mixed results. Against No. 3 Ohio State in the opener, Manning went 17-of-30 for 170 yards, with a touchdown, and interception in a 14-7 loss. His QBR of 56.3 reflected the struggles of a young quarterback adjusting to the speed and pressure of elite competition. However, in Week 2 against San Jose State, he rebounded. Manning was 19-of-30 for 295 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception. His QBR jumped to 74.4, and Texas cruised to a 38-7 win.
However, one good game against a weaker opponent hasn't silenced the critics. Manning's name alone has elevated expectations. As the No. 1 overall recruit in his class, every snap he takes is scrutinized. Add in the legacy of being the grandson to Archie, nephew to Peyton and Eli, and it's easy to see why fans and media are quick to jump on his potential.
But a quick look at history shows even Manning legends weren't instant stars. For example, Peyton Manning threw just one touchdown in his first two games at Tennessee in 1994. Eli Manning's first outings at Ole Miss were similarly quiet. What Arch is facing today, given the NIL hype to national TV coverage, is a pressure cooker far hotter than either of his uncles dealt with in their respective starts.
With that said, the tools are there. Manning's arm strength and accuracy have shown promise, particularly in his second game. His improvement week-to-week is a positive sign, especially under the guidance of head coach Steve Sarkisian, who is known for his quarterback development.
When compared to other high-profile QBs like Caleb Williams and Trevor Lawrence, Manning's start is solid, but not spectacular. He's far from a bust. His current stat line is 465 yards, five touchdowns, two interceptions, and a 63.0 QBR. Those numbers aren't insane, but they're not disappointing either, especially considering the level of competition he faced early.
Ohio State is the No. 1 team in the nation for a reason. They're defending a championship after being the last team standing in a 12-team Playoff last year. Nobody expected Manning to steamroll the Buckeyes at The Shoe right out of the gate. It was just the shaky start that critics grasped onto.
So, to answer the question, is Arch Manning overrated? That depends on the expectations. If you expected a Heisman contender by Week 2, then yes. If you expected a quarterback learning on the job, showing progress and flashes of elite talent, then no.
Manning doesn't need to live up to his last name overnight. But if his development continues on this trajectory, he may soon start carving out a legacy of his own in Austin.