CFB insider says Steve Sarkisian's Texas is "ready to ride" the Arch Manning hype train
Arch Manning is a household name in college football after just two starts at Texas. The Longhorns passer will take over for Quinn Ewers, who did a solid job in Steve Sarkisian's offense, guiding the program to consecutive College Football Playoff semifinal appearances.
Some fans and analysts expect even more out of Arch Manning, and J.D. PicKell believes Texas isn't really doing much to calm those frenzied believers.
"It's interesting how they've talked about Arch," PicKell said Thursday on On3's The Hard Count with J.D. PicKell.
"Because with as high-profile as he is and as how high-profile as he was a recruit, I think it's very easy to want to tippy-toe with a person like that. You don't want to put him too far out into the spotlight, you don't wanna have him be this larger-than-life story, but Texas really hasn't fought that."
Manning plays for one of the most noticeable brands in sports. He has begun to carry himself as such during this off-season while giving fans better glimpses into his personality.
"He is embracing all of that," PicKell said. "So, that's why you're seeing him do the Marty Smith interview, the Red Bull NIL deals... What I've been told is the folks in Texas are ready to ride the hype train. There's no half-stepping here. They believe he's that good."
"It really hasn't even started" - Arch Manning
In a sit-down interview with ESPN's Marty Smith this off-season, Arch Manning humbly addressed the buzz around him. He doesn't feel he should be treated any differently just because of his surname.
"Well, I haven't really played much, so I guess it really hasn't even started," Manning said. "It's been fun. I've enjoyed it. I've learned a lot. I love my coaches, love my teammates, so I'm ready to get it rolling, for sure. ... I mean, I haven't done anything."
He will have the chance to do something when the season opens on the road against defending national champions Ohio State Buckeyes.