In his first year as starting quarterback and captain for Texas football, Arch Manning summoned a crowd on Tuesday at the Southeastern Conference Media Days in Atlanta.
Fans of the Texas Longhorns have long anticipated the moment for Manning to take the helm of the ship, and now, with only a few weeks before the team’s first game against Ohio State, head coach Steve Sarkisian and Manning’s teammates gave insight into where the ship may be sailing.
Surrounded by a crowd filled with members of the media, some waiting upwards of 40 minutes to get a spot close to his table, Manning focused on answering questions about the team, answering quickly and to the point.
“I feel like I’m a pretty normal guy,” Manning said. “I like to hang out with my buddies, (play) golf. I take football pretty seriously. Other than that, just a regular guy.”
But Manning’s teammates did nothing to downplay his merits. To them, the redshirt sophomore is a close friend, but also far from a regular guy.
His status, as well as the interest surrounding the Manning name, has brought a new level of attention to the team. Safety Michael Taaffe said it also provides opportunities for others on the team to benefit.
“Not only does team success bring individual success, but also when you’ve got cameras on, it gives you an opportunity to go make some plays,” Taaffe said. “I’ve always had that mindset of being a walk-on, coming from nothing to now being a leader on the team. It gives me more opportunities to make plays in front of people that maybe haven’t seen me before.”
Manning has absorbed knowledge from his fellow captains, Taaffe and junior linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., specifically looking to Taaffe for advice. The pair has been together since Manning’s first recruitment visit in 2022.
“I learned a lot from Michael Taaffe,” Manning said. “He’s kind of like my big brother on the team.”
The culture and team dynamics were a recurring theme in the Texas players’ answers throughout the day. The players have grown up together; from Madden game nights to a round of golf, the team is forming connections off the field while strengthening their dynamic on the field.
Those entering their third year on the team have high expectations for success after attending conference championships and college football playoffs each year. But the Longhorns want more.
Manning will play a major part in the team’s potential success this season. Sarkisian, in his press conference, talked about Manning’s attitude and his chemistry with the team.
“The one thing that you find out about Arch is, one, he’s got a very even keel about him,” Sarkisian said. “Two, he’s very quick-witted. He’s got a great sense of humor about himself, and he’s okay to laugh at himself, and I think that’s a great quality to have.”
Manning’s calm and collected attitude stands in stark contrast to the ongoing craze and professional predictions that surround him at every turn. Starting in two games last year, Manning said he appreciated the NFL draft predictions, but they don’t mean anything to him.
Sarkisian acknowledged the hype around Manning, but also dialed in on his work ethic and his preparation to lead the team on the field.
“He’s a great teammate, he’s got unbelievable work ethic, and I think if he stays true to himself, that’s going to help him navigate these waters as they present themselves,” Sarkisian said. “I think he’s prepared for the moment, but now it’s just time for him to go do it and enjoy doing it, quite frankly.”
The hype around Manning has been present since his commitment to Texas. After backing former Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers for two years, Manning is taking time and learning to grow into his leadership role.
“Now being more of a vocal leader, they know it’s coming from a place of love,” Manning said. “When I get on someone, they know I’m not just being a turd.”
