Arch Manning entered the 2025 season as perhaps the most hyped first-year starter in recent memory, but it looks like the pressure of these immense expectations has gotten the better of the special talent early on.
Manning struggled in his first-ever road start against the Ohio State Buckeyes in week 1, and things haven’t gotten much better in the 2 subsequent starts he’s made since then.
As of this writing, Arch currently holds a completion percentage of just over 55% and has thrown 6 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. His most recent start against UTEP was probably the worst performance he’s put in thus far, as he only managed to complete 44% of his passes and threw an ugly interception in Texas‘s 27-10 win.
This slow start has unfortunately led to many fans and pundits beginning to write Arch off, but former Florida Gators legend isn’t falling into to this pattern. The Heisman Trophy winner and 2-time national champion was a guest on the Rich Eisen Show on Thursday, and offered some much-needed words of encouragement for the Texas gunslinger.
“I would just encourage him, like man, you’re a gifted player,” Tebow said. “He’s at a location now with great coaches, great players around him, but there’s just a lot of pressure and pressure is real. I encourage him, remember the love of the game, and play for it. You don’t have to make every play, you don’t have to be perfect.”
In a sea of negative takes and dog piling, hearing Tebow offer such a positive and reassuring take on Arch’s situation is like a breath of fresh air. If Arch is able to maintain the love of the game that Tebow talks about and block out all the other negative takes, then there’s no question he can blossom into a truly special player under center for the Longhorns.
