ESPN analyst suggests Arch Manning is back in Heisman conversation after Vanderbilt performance
By David Wasson
Published:
The Arch Manning For Heisman campaign might have derailed early in 2025, but that didn’t stop ESPN play-by-play announcer Sean McDonough from trying to get Manning back on the tracks Saturday during the 20th-ranked Longhorns’ game against No. 9 Vanderbilt.
McDonough began by talking about how Texas coach Steve Sarkisian has described Manning’s first season as the Texas starter as one of growth, and that Manning – who was born into an incredible football family – has dealt with the adversity of failure and injury with maturity.
And then, as Manning hit receiver Deandre Moore Jr. on a 29-yard dime in the opening moments of the third quarter, McDonough upped the ante.
“Arch Manning was the preseason (Heisman) favorite … he’s fallen completely off the board,” McDonough intoned as Texas marched down the field against the Commodores. “He’s on target again and he might be reigniting candidacy with this performance!”
Manning would cap the drive with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Emmett Mosley V, the quarterback’s third touchdown pass of the game and giving him a fourth 3-touchdown game of 2025. Manning also eclipsed 300 passing yards against Vanderbilt, giving him a third game of at least 300 yards in his sophomore season.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. He also hosts Gulfshore Sports with David Wasson, weekdays from 3-5 pm across Southwest Florida and on FoxSportsFM.com. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
