In an era where college football programs are constantly striving for dominance, the University of Texas has made a significant statement regarding its future. The school recently secured a contract extension with head coach Steve Sarkisian, ensuring his tenure for the foreseeable future. While the deal itself is a significant milestone for Sarkisian, it also carries weight for one player in particular—freshman quarterback Arch Manning. The timing of Sarkisian’s extension and the accompanying high expectations for the program signal that the future of Texas football, and indeed, its potential resurgence, rests heavily on Manning’s shoulders.
Sarkisian’s Extension: A Strategic Move for Texas
Steve Sarkisian’s journey at Texas has been anything but simple. After taking the reins in 2021, his early years were marked by growing pains. In his first two seasons, the Longhorns showed flashes of promise but struggled to maintain consistency, particularly in key matchups. However, it is not uncommon for programs in transition to experience such ups and downs, and Sarkisian’s experience as a former offensive coordinator with high-profile programs like Alabama and USC positioned him well to eventually build a successful foundation.
Sarkisian’s 2023 campaign, however, was a marked improvement. The Longhorns posted a 10-win season, highlighted by a stunning victory over rival Oklahoma and a near upset of eventual Big 12 champion Kansas State. The team’s defense showed growth, and the offense, led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, demonstrated the kind of explosive potential that has long been associated with Sarkisian’s playcalling. But for many, the biggest development from the 2023 season wasn’t just Texas’ performance; it was the sense that the program was on the cusp of returning to national relevance.
By extending Sarkisian’s contract, Texas not only signals its confidence in his ability to continue the upward trajectory, but it also ensures stability at the top of the program for years to come. This stability is crucial as the Longhorns prepare for their move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC), a conference historically dominated by juggernauts such as Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. The SEC is known for its fierce competition, and Sarkisian’s extension shows that Texas is committed to building a team capable of standing toe-to-toe with these powerhouse programs.
Arch Manning: The Crown Jewel of Texas’ Future
Among the most significant aspects of Sarkisian’s contract extension is its implicit endorsement of the future star under center—Arch Manning. The name Manning carries immense weight in the football world, and Arch, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, is seen as one of the most highly touted recruits in recent memory.
Manning’s decision to commit to Texas was a pivotal moment in the school’s recruiting history. While quarterbacks like Quinn Ewers are still vying for starting positions, Arch Manning is already being viewed as the future of the program. Despite being only a freshman, Manning’s arrival at Texas has generated enormous excitement. His combination of size, athleticism, football IQ, and legacy has positioned him as the potential face of the program for years to come.
The timing of Sarkisian’s extension aligns perfectly with the arrival of Manning, and the two have already begun to develop a bond. Sarkisian, known for his ability to develop quarterbacks, will be expected to take Manning’s already impressive skill set and refine it into that of an elite college quarterback. Given Sarkisian’s track record with quarterbacks—most notably Alabama’s Bryce Young—there is little doubt that he has the coaching acumen to shape Manning into a future star.
However, with this potential comes immense pressure. Arch Manning isn’t just a highly ranked recruit; he’s the heir apparent to a program with a storied football history and, more importantly, a program desperate to return to national prominence. Texas hasn’t won a national title since 2005, and fans are increasingly restless after years of underachievement. Sarkisian’s extension, therefore, is a signal to the program, its fanbase, and Manning himself that the time to win is now.
High Expectations for Manning’s Development
With Sarkisian’s new deal securing his future at Texas, the Longhorns are clearly invested in the idea that Manning will eventually lead them back to championship glory. However, this journey won’t be without its challenges.
First and foremost, Manning will be tasked with stepping into the spotlight at one of the most pressure-filled positions in college sports. Quarterback at Texas isn’t just about throwing passes—it’s about living up to the legacy of the program and its previous stars, such as Vince Young, Colt McCoy, and Sam Ehlinger. The expectations are sky-high, and while Manning is undoubtedly talented, transitioning to college football can be difficult, even for elite prospects. He will need time to adjust to the speed of the game, learn the intricacies of Sarkisian’s offense, and handle the weight of the program’s expectations.
Moreover, Manning will not be handed the starting job on a silver platter. While he is viewed as the future, there is still competition at the quarterback position. Quinn Ewers, for example, is a former five-star recruit and has shown flashes of brilliance during his time at Texas. The quarterback competition will undoubtedly be fierce in the coming seasons, and Manning will need to prove that he can not only compete but excel against a capable and experienced group of players.
Even so, the stage is set for Manning to make a major impact once he earns the starting role. Sarkisian’s offense is known for its dynamic passing game, and Manning’s arm strength and ability to make all the necessary throws will suit this system well. He will have the opportunity to work with talented receivers and a strong offensive line, which could help accelerate his development.
The Road Ahead for Texas Football
Sarkisian’s new contract represents more than just a commitment to stability; it signals a belief in the direction of the program and its potential to compete at the highest level. With Arch Manning on the horizon, the Longhorns are poised for a future that could rival their glory days of the early 2000s. However, the road to greatness won’t be easy. Texas will face stiff competition in both the Big 12 and eventually the SEC, and Manning will need to prove that he can thrive under pressure.
Ultimately, Sarkisian’s extension and Manning’s arrival are part of a larger vision to restore Texas to national prominence. Fans are hungry for a championship, and the combination of Sarkisian’s offensive genius and Manning’s raw talent could be the recipe for success. The pressure will be immense, but with the right development, leadership, and patience, the Longhorns could soon find themselves back in the College Football Playoff picture, with Arch Manning leading the way.
As Texas embarks on this new chapter, the eyes of the college football world will be firmly fixed on Austin. The expectations are clear: Arch Manning isn’t just the future of Texas football—he’s the key to its return to greatness.