After a deplorable Week 1 performance, the pressure was higher than ever for Texas quarterback Arch Manning to live up to the lofty expectations set before him.
When the Texas Longhorns hosted the San Jose State Spartans in Week 2, ESPN was already placing doubt on Manning, airing an entire segment with the headlines blasting his performance against the Ohio State Buckeyes.
One player later, Manning connected with his go-to wide receiver Parker Livingstone for an 83-yard touchdown, putting the Horns up 7-0 over the Spartans and immediately silencing the doubters who had poured in after last Saturday.
Remember when ESPN blasted Arch Manning? pic.twitter.com/rGITLwYGvX
— sam (@samfarisss) September 6, 2025
Livingstone's touchdown was the second of the year, making him the only Longhorn who had scored all season. The young wideout caught Texas's only touchdown against Ohio State in Week 1 and opened the scoring against the Spartans in Week 2.
Manning connected with Livingstone once again on the next drive, putting the Longhorns up 14-0 and further silencing any doubters that the hype around the Texas quarterback wasn't deserved.
Yes, Manning's performance in Week 1 was a far cry from what it needed to be. He earned just 170 yards and one touchdown, while also throwing an interception. The supposed dual-threat quarterback only earned 38 yards on the ground, and anyone who doubted his talent spoke up even more loudly.
With the touchdown, Manning quickly cut those doubters off at the knees, stepping into the role as Texas's starting quarterback.
Sure, it was against the San Jose State Spartans, but it was exactly the spark that Manning needed to fuel his campaign as the starting QB for the Longhorns. Immediately after, Manning led Texas to four touchdowns on just 10 plays, and the offense that was supposed to match the caliber of the Horns' high-power defense finally arrived.