Things will not sit quiet when a player like Arch Manning is not given his due diligence. The Texas QB is one of the most-coveted talents currently in college football. Steve Sarkisian quite literally struck gold after signing the young Manning with the Longhorns in 2022. We know he’s worth all the hype, and you know it too. ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg, however, does not seem to get why Arch Manning enjoys so much popularity.
On March 27, Rittenberg published his list of the top 15 QBs in college football in 2025. Now, Texas fan or not, you know that Manning will be around the top spots. But here’s Rittenberg, who made the list after seeking opinions from experts, putting the Texas QB below the top 10! This is coming from ESPN, which is a commanding force in sports journalism. Manning is easily a favorite pick to clinch the Heisman trophy, and his records are proof of his sheer talent. In 2024, across the 10 games he’s played, he made 939 passing yards and 9 TDs. Rittenberg, with everything he’s learned about Manning, ranked him at No. 12.
After the ranking came out, naturally, it drew flak for Manning’s ranking. Experts and fans are both disappointed to see him not even make it to the top 10. After being blasted for this fiasco, ESPN is now doing damage control. Arch Manning is who people want, and the people’s wish must be granted, ESPN must’ve thought. So, it went ahead and published 18 minutes worth of pure Arch Manning talent on March 29. The video had the caption: “Check out these highlights from Arch Manning during the 2024-25 college football season as many are already calling him a Heisman favorite for the 2025 season.”
Credits: Imago
The footage includes Manning’s games against Colorado State, UTSA, Mississippi State, and Georgia. Three of them saw Texas shine valiantly. But the Longhorns fell to the Bulldogs in both of their meetings this season. Despite his relatively short career, it’s clear 2025 is going to be a big one for the torchbearer of the Manning legacy.
However, how do you not even include him in the top 10 QBs and then post a video making a case for a potential Heisman win? The two things don’t seem to connect here. Are we missing something? How can you be a Heisman candidate if there are 11 QBs better than you? Did ESPN post it because of the reactions to the list?
Arch Manning not being in the Top 10 was a clear disrespect
Rittenberg’s ranking of Manning did not sit well with Locked on Longhorn’s Brad Kellner. In a March 29 video, he said, “He made the cut, but he’s a lot lower than I expected—probably lower than you’d expect too. “Adam Rittenberg has Manning at 12th—behind guys like Kevin Jennings at SMU, DJ Lagway at Florida, and Haynes King at Georgia Tech.” It’s understandable why fans will be upset with the list.
Rittenberg wrote for Manning, “Manning’s usage for most of the season limited how much coaches could scout him, but his highlights, especially during the first few games, caught some attention. His ability to generate long runs and make throws on the move especially stood out.” On top of this list sat Clemson’s Cade Klubnik—a spot he absolutely deserves. But Arch Manning at 12? Surely, he isn’t that bad, even if you take away the family legacy.
Texas has a lot riding on Manning’s shoulders this season. He not only has to deliver upon the expectations fans and experts have, but also prove his worth to Steve Sarkisian. Yes, he might be facing some unnecessary pressures compared to his short career. But Manning has potential, there’s no doubt about it. 2025 is an important year for both Texas and the new quarterback. Hopefully, Manning will make it higher up on Rittenberg’s list in the future.
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