As the 2025 college football season approaches, programs nationwide are beginning spring practices. Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning is poised to take over as the starter following Quinn Ewers’ departure to the NFL. Despite expectations for a standout season and potential Heisman Trophy candidacy, ESPN ranks Manning as the No. 12 quarterback nationally. In his previous two seasons, he recorded 939 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and four rushing touchdowns. While his early highlights garnered attention, some rankings above him, like Florida’s DJ Lagway at No. 10, raise eyebrows. With the season underway, Manning’s performance will influence his future ranking.
The 2025 college football season is beginning to take shape as universities across the country start their spring practices and prepare for their traditional spring games, or other events they may opt for at the close of the spring season.
This upcoming year promises to be filled with excitement, featuring new players in fresh roles and highly-regarded athletes stepping into significant positions. Among these highly-regarded athletes is Arch Manning, the quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, who is set to become the starter in Austin following Quinn Ewers’ transition to the NFL.
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After demonstrating moments of brilliance during his first two years at Texas, Manning is anticipated to be one of the standout players nationally this year, with many speculating he could be a contender for the Heisman Trophy by season’s end.
However, the analysts at ESPN seem to have a more tempered view of Manning’s prospects as he approaches his inaugural year as a starter.
Texas Longhorns QB Arch Manning.Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
On Friday, ESPN unveiled its yearly rankings of quarterbacks for the new college football season. While Manning made the list, he was placed significantly lower than many might have anticipated.
ESPN’s Adam Rittenburg ranked Manning as the No. 12 quarterback in the nation this year. After recording 939 passing yards, 9 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, and rushing for 4 touchdowns last year, expectations are high, but Manning must prove himself as a starter in 2025 for his ranking to improve.
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“Manning’s limited usage during much of the season restricted coaches from thoroughly scouting him, but his highlights, particularly from the first few games, garnered some attention,” Rittenburg noted. “His capacity to produce long runs and make off-platform throws stood out notably.”
While it’s reasonable that Manning requires more performances to justify a higher ranking, some of the quarterbacks ahead of him are somewhat surprising. For example, Florida’s DJ Lagway sits at No. 10, Georgia Tech’s Haynes King is ranked No. 9, and South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellars is positioned at No. 5.
At the very top of the list is Clemson Tigers’ quarterback Cade Klubnik, who is considered one of the leading candidates for the Heisman Trophy this season.
This offseason’s rankings provide an intriguing glimpse that we can revisit in a few months to assess any changes. As Manning gains experience with the Longhorns, it will be fascinating to observe where he is viewed among the nation’s elite passers.
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