Steve Spurrier Doubts Arch Manning Hype as Texas Longhorns Gear Up for 2025

As Arch Manning steps into the spotlight as the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns in 2025, not everyone is ready to crown him the next big thing. Legendary college football coach Steve Spurrier, who once led the Florida Gators to a national title, recently raised eyebrows with his candid skepticism about Manning’s hype.

With Quinn Ewers now in the NFL after a seventh-round draft pick, the door has swung wide open for Manning to take the reins in Austin. But Spurrier isn’t buying the buzz just yet. On a recent podcast appearance, he questioned why Texas coach Steve Sarkisian stuck with Ewers over Manning in previous seasons if the young quarterback was truly the prodigy everyone claims. "If he was this good, how come they let Quinn Ewers play all the time last year?" Spurrier mused, pointing out the obvious—coaches play who they think is best.

Manning, who was once the most coveted high school recruit in the country, has had to bide his time on the bench, a situation he admitted was tough in today’s transfer-happy era. Still, the 19-year-old remains committed to Texas, emphasizing his love for the program and his desire to lead the Longhorns. Last season, he showed promise in limited action, racking up 939 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and a couple of interceptions across 10 games, including two starts. Add to that 108 rushing yards and four touchdowns, and you’ve got a dual-threat talent ready to prove himself.

Texas is already tipped by many to dominate the SEC this year, with some even predicting a Heisman Trophy for Manning. But as the Longhorns gear up for their season opener against the Ohio State Buckeyes on August 30 in Columbus, Spurrier’s words linger like a challenge. Can Manning live up to the expectations, or will the weight of the hype prove too heavy? Only time—and a few key games—will tell.