ESPN host raises questions about Arch Manning’s pressure at Texas

Al Formicola

ESPN host raises questions about Arch Manning’s pressure at Texas image

The Longhorns’ new QB carries the Manning legacy into a Week 1 clash with Ohio State.

Arch Manning is about to step into one of the most high-pressure roles in college football. When Texas opens its season against Ohio State on August 30, the 21-year-old won’t just be leading the nation’s preseason No. 1 team, he’ll be carrying the weight of the Manning name.

On The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, Le Batard explained the unique expectations surrounding Manning.

“For two years, they’ve been incubating this kid who comes with the expectation of your uncles carried this league for 15 years… and we expect you to be good because Eli was good at Mississippi,” Le Batard said.

Peyton and Eli set the bar high, shaping how fans and media view Arch before he’s even played a full season. Manning’s first start comes against Ohio State, the defending national champion, in front of 100,000 fans. Co-host Jonathan Zaslow boiled it down simply: “Go in there and win.”

Manning showed flashes last year, throwing for 939 yards and nine touchdowns in limited action. But this season, there’s no redshirt safety net. Every snap will be dissected.

The question is no longer if Manning can live up to the hype, it’s how quickly he can prove he belongs.

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Al Formicola

Al Formicola is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He has over 20 years of television production experience as a writer and producer. He has previously written for Athlon Sports.