Arch Manning, the Texas Longhorns quarterback with a $6.5 million NIL valuation, is preparing for his first full season as the undisputed starter after the departure of Quinn Ewers. Manning, who has waited two years for this opportunity, aims to showcase his skills as the Longhorns' leading quarterback amid plenty of excitement surrounding the program.
As he gears up for the 2025 season, Manning finds himself in a competitive environment, especially with the Longhorns set to welcome five-star recruit Dia Bell. Bell spoke to On3 Sports on March 20, 2025, expressing his commitment to Texas and the anticipation of joining the Longhorns. During his visits to Texas, Bell has closely observed Manning's development within the Longhorns' offensive scheme.
"I have been able to watch Arch (Manning) grow in there, in that offense, with me coming up there and visiting and watching them practice," Bell noted, underscoring the effective coaching at Texas that he believes fosters player growth. Bell emphasized the dedication of the coaching staff in getting the best out of their players, specifically mentioning Manning's evolution during his time with the team.
Reflecting on the dynamics within the quarterback room, Bell also commented on how Texas had shown loyalty to Ewers before allowing Manning to step into his role. "They didn't play him (Manning) much. I feel, like, that was loyalty towards Quinn (Ewers) that they had before ... They're really dedicated to the person they have leading this team and leading this room of the quarterbacks," Bell explained, highlighting the Longhorns' supportive environment towards their quarterbacks.
Dia Bell committed to Texas back in June 2024 and continues to demonstrate enthusiasm about joining the program after wrapping up his tenure with Plantation American Heritage in Plantation, Florida. With his commitment secured, Bell looks forward to contributing to a team poised for success.
Manning’s experience leading up to this moment has been a mix of learning and confidence-building as he played in ten games during the 2024 season. However, he came off the bench for eight of those games, gaining valuable experience without the full pressure of starting. Now, as the presumed starter, Manning is expected to harness his dual-threat capabilities to energize the Longhorns’ offense.
In the upcoming season, Manning's performance will be under scrutiny as he takes over a formidable roster poised to compete at high levels. The Longhorns have strong offensive potential, and with Manning at the helm, they will likely look to capitalize on this talent, promising an exciting chapter for Texas football.
Fans are eager to see how Manning translates his practice performances into game success. With an impressive skill set and solid preparation behind him, Manning stands ready to make his mark in college football. The addition of recruits like Dia Bell further indicates a bright future ahead for the Longhorns, and as Manning steps into this pivotal role, the anticipation within the Longhorn community continues to grow.
