College Football HQ

Heisman Trophy index: Arch Manning’s struggles continue against UTEP

Texas Longhorns QB looks like Heisman longshot after entering as 2025’s favorite
Khari Demos|
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning.
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning. | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

In this story:

Texas Longhorns

No one expected Arch Manning to have this level of growing pains in his first full year as a starter.

Many thought he’d be a weekly name on the Heisman Trophy index. But clearly, through the first three games of 2025, we should temper expectations for the Texas Longhorns quarterback.

Manning may have had his worst showing yet, as he went 11 for 25 with 114 passing yards, one touchdown pass and an interception in the No. 8 Longhorns' lackluster win over UTEP. And while the QB prodigy did well on the ground (51 rushing yards, two TDs), his play has become concerning in terms of his Heisman campaign.

Manning truly looks like a shell of himself. From missed throws to turning the ball over in a third consecutive game, it feels like a lifetime ago when Manning entered the 2025 season as the Heisman Trophy favorite.

In three games this season, Manning has posted a 55.3 percent completion rate with a 49.6 QBR. And although Texas has been able to win games against its lower-tier competition, it will be hard for the program to keep the winning going as it enters SEC play.

And not for nothing, his play does not do anything to assuage the rumors that he's being hampered by a shoulder injury. Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian said that there was no injury of note for the junior QB. But seeing his consistent inaccuracy, we'll have to see if there is any truth to there being an underlying injury down the line.

Manning has an opportunity to beat up on another unranked squad with in-state Sam Houston coming to Austin this weekend. But if he is unable to take advantage of this matchup with an 0-3 squad, it's hard to imagine he'll be able to make a run for the Heisman once SEC play begins.

Published
Khari Demos
KHARI DEMOS

Khari Demos is an award-winning sports media creator and is a contributor for Bills On SI. He has written sports betting article covering the NFL for The Athletic and has written pieces about the NBA, MLB, college football and basketball, and more, throughout his career.

Home/Rankings