If you have an elite college quarterback, you have a great chance of making the 12-team playoff. Arch Manning is one of the best QBs in the country and certainly gives the Longhorns a good shot at the college football playoff. But Manning’s early season struggles in 2025 still linger in the mind of many that cover the sport.
Blake Toppmeyer of USA TODAY Sports has ranked the quarterbacks in the SEC. He says there’s only one bonafide elite QB in the SEC, and it’s not Arch Manning.
Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss tops the list of quarterbacks in the conference.
“He’s a proven star. … He’s become one of college football’s biggest stars, a charismatic dual threat with Heisman Trophy potential.” – Blake Toppmeyer of USA TODAY Sports
Next on the list is Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton. The USA TODAY writer believes Stockton is ahead of Manning because of last year’s Bulldogs win over the Longhorns.
“(Stockton) is a gamer, he’s a winner, he’s clutch, and he’s got a really good arm. Stockton elevates in the big games. He outplayed Arch Manning in their head-to-head duel last November.” – Blake Toppmeyer of USA TODAY Sports
It wasn’t just Manning in that had a tough game. Many felt UT coach Steve Sarkisian was outcoached by Georgia’s Kirby Smart. But it is a fair point.
On Manning, USA TODAY is still skeptical. It’s not like Toppmeyer doesn’t think Arch is a good quarterback. But he has to be convinced. After all the hype surrounding the New Orleans native to begin last year, writers don’t want to heap too much praise onto the Texas signal caller this year … yet.
“Manning finished last season much better than he started it. His abilities were on full display in a Citrus Bowl win against Michigan. He’s an excellent runner who needs more consistency as a passer, but Texas added weapons around him. Perhaps, all that hype last summer was just a year too soon.” – Blake Toppmeyer of USA TODAY Sports
Texas and Arch Manning host Ole Miss and Chambliss in Austin on Oct. 24. At least one elite QB will be on the field. But, most likely, there will be two.
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: USA TODAY Sports ranks not one, but two QBs ahead of Arch Manning
Reporting by Trey Luerssen, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Trey Luerssen, Longhorns Wire | USA TODAY Network
