We’ve hit the midpoint of the 2025 season, and once again, all eyes are on Arch Manning. The hype, the pressure, the family name — it all followed him to Austin. But as I’ve been doing from the beginning, I’m grading Manning on his play, not his pedigree. Through eight games, he’s been tested, flashed potential, and shown growth that’s easy to miss if you only check the box score. It’s time for his midterm grades.
Stats (as of 10/31/2025)
60.9%, 1,795 yards, 15 TD, 6 INT
199 yards, 6 TD (rushing)
Remarks: The SEC is the toughest conference in college football, no question. I’ve got to give this young man his props — he’s resilient and doesn’t seem to care about the media noise.
Pocket presence and decision-making — Grade: C
Manning is beginning to show why he was so highly spoken about. His poise in the pocket has grown — the game’s starting to slow down for him. He’s learning to manipulate safeties, climb the pocket, and find rhythm throws that can keep the offense ahead of schedule.
Still, there are times when he trusts his arm too much — forcing passes into traffic or missing a checkdown when the defense disguises coverage. That’s part of the development curve. The confidence is there, and the reads are improving each week.
Accuracy and ball placement — Grade: C
When he’s in rhythm, Manning can spin the ball. He’s shown flashes of command on intermediate routes and timing throws, especially across the middle. His anticipation has improved, but the deep ball remains inconsistent — a mix of overthrows, misreads, and timing issues that will iron out with reps.
His completion rate sits in the low 60s, which isn’t terrible for a young SEC starter, but he’s leaving plays on the field. He’s not missing by much — just enough to stall drives.
Mobility and off-script playmaking — Grade: B+
This might be the most underrated aspect of his game right now. He’s showing more athleticism than people expected — extending plays, escaping pressure, and buying time in tight spaces. His rushing stats don’t jump off the page, but his pocket mobility is quietly saving drives. When things break down, he’s learning when to move and when to stay patient. He’s not an explosive runner, but his instincts and control make him effective when plays go off-script.
Leadership and composure — Grade: A
This is where Manning shines the brightest. His command of the huddle, confidence at the line, and calm under pressure all stand out. He doesn’t flinch when things get tough, and you can tell the team believes in him. Carrying the Manning name in a market like Austin isn’t easy, but he’s handled it with class and maturity. He’s not just living up to the family name — he’s building his own.
Execution and consistency — Grade: C-
There have been moments where Manning looks like the real deal — sharp, decisive, and in total command. But there are also stretches where the offense sputters, red-zone drives stall, and his rhythm disappears. Some of that’s play-calling, some of it’s youth. Either way, it’s fixable. The next step is stacking consistent drives and executing in key moments.
Final grade: C+
Manning’s first full season as the Longhorns’ starter has been ok, but not spectacular. He’s flashed moments of brilliance and leadership that show why Texas believes he’s the guy — yet the inconsistency keeps him from crossing into that next tier.
The physical tools, confidence, and command are all there. Now it’s about putting it together week after week. With a few cleaner reads, more precise throws, and steadier execution, Manning could close the season strong and prove why he’s still the future of Texas football.
Final thoughts
The potential is there. The leadership is there. Now it’s about finishing the second half of the season with the consistency that turns said potential into production.