Well, with great power comes great responsibility, and Arch Manning is feeling that weight. Since Quinn Ewers departed for the NFL, the people in Austin have labeled Manning as the ‘savior’, whether he welcomed it or not. However, last year’s 13-3 season was dismantled by Ohio State, and Texans do not settle for moral victories. Ewers faced criticism for every mistake, so Manning needs to start strong. And Steve Sarkisian understands the expectations—there is no room for ‘almosts’.
Now, after serving for two years as a backup for Quinn Ewers, it’s finally time for Arch Manning to take up the charge. But now that he is the starter, fans’ constant support for him is almost over, as it’s all about winning now. And Steve Sarkisian learned this lesson really well, as talking to Orangebloods’ Anwar Richardson, he says, “When asked if he talks to Arch Manning about handling fame, Steve Sarkisian jokingly said, “The boos? The boos? Because the boos are going to come here pretty soon, too. I love our fans—they love the backup quarterback, but they hate interceptions. So those are coming.” That’s a subtle warning.
When asked if he talks to Arch Manning about handling fame, Steve Sarkisian jokingly said, “The boos? The boos? Because the boos are going to come here pretty soon, too. I love our fans – they love the backup quarterback, but they hate interceptions. So those are coming.” pic.twitter.com/jEApJEs9Ue
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) April 8, 2025
Coach Sark didn’t sugarcoat it, and can we blame him? He knows the storm’s coming. Even if he’s not bracing for a full-blown mutiny from Texas fans, he understands the script. Manning stumbles once, and the knives come out. Not all of them, but enough to shake the confidence of a 19-year-old quarterback should he let it get in his head. Quinn Ewers lived that reality in full color. He showed up in Austin with golden-boy expectations—perfect rating and even lived up to it with Texas’ first conference title since 2009, SEC title appearance right out the gate.
Still, his 12 picks of the 2024 season became a matter of concern for him. But fans forgot that Ewers tore an oblique that clearly hampered him down the stretch. All they saw were the interceptions and ignored the injury. It is worth noting that he played through the 2024 season with a torn oblique. Injuries followed Ewers every year he wore burnt orange. He missed three games in 2022 with an SC joint sprain, and he sat out two more in 2023 with a left shoulder injury. The guy never caught a clean break, yet still fought to stay on the field.
If Arch falters, the fan support might fade quickly. Ewers’ inconsistency was a major issue, affecting both his physical performance and decision-making. Although he shined in crucial games against Alabama and Michigan, his picks were a major issue. And Manning needs to aim for consistency to succeed where Quinn Ewers fell short.
Now, it’s Manning’s turn on the carousel. Last season, he showcased his potential with 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and two wins as a starter. However, that was just the beginning. The real challenge lies in ending a national championship drought that dates back to 2005. Pressure is now on Manning, and to alleviate the pressure, Steve Sarkisian is already scouting the transfer portal.
Steve Sarkisian’s massive transfer portal update
Well, a 10-day spring transfer portal window opens for CFB players on April 16, and no one needs it more than the Longhorns. As for now, Steve Sarkisian’s focus is on filling up their team in key positions. As he says, “We really try to identify the portal to where we think there’s a need, but yet also is the person we’re bringing in an upgrade to maybe what we have, or can it supplement what we have at certain positions?” So, which positions are their key target? Texas is looking for more transfers at WR, DL, and TE.
First up is the WR position, which looks thin. With only eight scholarship wide receivers, the unit faced setbacks when redshirt freshman Freddie Dubose left the program and redshirt sophomore Ryan Niblett switched to defense. Injuries to DeAndre Moore Jr. and Ryan Wingo added to the challenges, despite some positive spring buzz surrounding Parker Livingstone. Last year, Texas made significant acquisitions through the portal by bringing in Isaiah Bond and Matthew Golden. But the team’s needs extend to the tight end position, which appears to be their most pressing concern.
Even Coach Steve Sarkisian admits this, stating, “Our numbers are really down at tight end.” Redshirt freshman Jordan Washington is currently recovering from a collarbone injury, while signee Nick Townsend is not joining till summer. This leaves only three healthy scholarship tight ends, with Gunnar Helm and Juan Davis no longer eligible and Amari Niblack transferring to Texas A&M. The lack of experience is evident, as Spencer Shannon has only 58 career snaps and no catches, and Washington played just 28 snaps last season. Although Townsend shows promise, doubts remain.
On the defensive front, the Longhorns still face some challenges. Six defensive linemen left during the winter transfer portal, while veterans Barryn Sorrell, Alfred Collins, Vernon Broughton, Jermayne Lole, and Bill Norton have all used up their eligibility. Despite hosting Stanford EDGE transfer David Bailey, the Longhorns lost him to Texas Tech, which offered a more attractive NIL deal and promised more playing time.
Now, the motive is not just to fill up the roster but to find impactful players. As he says, “It’s not a secret that we’ll look to the portal, but I don’t want to take a guy just for a number,” Steve Sarkisian also talks about potential additions like Kenny Baker to ensure they elevate the team’s performance saying, “If you’re going to go in the portal for Kenny Baker to help that room play at even a higher level and so we’ll have to assess it.” The team will continue to monitor the portal and assess opportunities to strengthen the squad. The next 10 days could be crucial for the Longhorns as they navigate the portal.
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