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Texas HC Steve Sarkisian sounds off on Arch Manning’s alarming early-season issues

Sark had some interesting post-game comments about Arch and his current struggles on offense.
ByMatthew Wilson|
Sep 13, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian during the first half against the Texas El Paso Miners at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Sep 13, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian during the first half against the Texas El Paso Miners at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Though Texas beat UTEP in week 3, it kind of felt like a loss with how much the offense continued to struggle throughout the matchup. Yes, UTEP does have a "good" defense for a G5 team, but they still should be no match for the Longhorns in any way, shape, or form.

Steve Sarkisian was asked a few questions regarding Arch Manning's struggles after the game, and he surprisingly revealed some good information about what could be going on.

"For the most part, It's all mental."

Sarkisian said he believes that Manning needs to work on "recalibrating and refocusing" on the next play after making mistakes. Though it's nothing that's necessarily groundbreaking, it's still more than Sark has said in regard to Manning after the first two weeks of the season.

It's 100% true though, as it looks like Manning holds on to mistakes throughout the game, trying to redeem himself by making a big play that's not really there in the passing game. It's incredibly apparent that he's easily rattled after making a few bad throws, and it seems to stick with him throughout the game. Some of the absolute best quarterbacks are the ones who can make a bad play, and then completely wipe it out the next. If adversity arises, he can't be out there catching the "yips".

When Manning finds his rhythm as a passer, he looks incredibly good and there always seems to be good spurts of play sandwiched between bad ones.

Sarkisian specifically pointed out the touchdown throw to Wingo saying:

"I just think it's about rhythm in the passing game overall in general. I loved the touchdown at the end because it was good timing, great route, great throw."

Rhythm is exactly what seems to be off about the passing game so far in 2025. It's unclear whether or not it's Sark's fault for giving Manning too much freedom to run around and make plays, or if Arch isn't running the plays the way they're designed. There needs to be more quick/underneath passing plays throughout the game, especially early on to help Manning get comfortable and into a rhythmin the first quarter.

Something needs to change before Texas plays Florida in a few weeks.

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