Nobody is better at managing Arch Manning’s hype train than the Mannings themselves.
The soon-to-be Texas football starting quarterback said all the right things while backing up Quinn Ewers for two seasons, even laughing off a Dr Pepper ad where Ewers poked fun at the attention directed Manning’s way. In the buildup to Manning’s debut as a full-time starter at Ohio State on Aug. 30, he and his family members have insisted that the attention directed his way is unwarranted and, in their view, unwanted — at least until he proves himself on the field.
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“I’m not a guy that seeks the media,” Manning said before a gaggle of reporters Tuesday. “No offense to you guys.”
Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs across the field between drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Offensive linemen Connor Stroh (79) and Daniel Cruz (51) cool off during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Defensive backs Jordon Johnson-Rubell (23), Graceson Littleton (29) and Wardell Mack (27) watch a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian takes notes during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver Rett Andersen (35) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver Parker Livingstone (35) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
A running back carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
A running back carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) runs with the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) runs with the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Tight end Jack Endries (88) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Tight end Jack Endries (88) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Tight end Jack Endries (88) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver Daylan McCutcheon (17) carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver Daylan McCutcheon (17) carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Linebacker Brad Spence (14) watches a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) chats with tight end Jack Endries (88) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian runs across the field with the quarterbacks during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian speaks to his team during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian speaks to his team during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver Jaime Ffrench (2) runs with the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) runs drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Defensive lineman Maraad Watson (98) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas players, including offensive linemen Cole Hutson (54) and Connor Stroh (79) warm up during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas football players huddle during a practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) drinks water during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Defensive lineman Hero Kanu (93) does drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Quarterbacks, including Joe Tatum (18) and Arch Manning (16) run across the field during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs across the field between drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) hands off to running back CJ Baxter (4) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Running back CJ Baxter (4) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025. during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Running back Christian Clark (6) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Players including defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) and linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) run to a new drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Running back Jerrick Gibson (9) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Running back CJ Baxter carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Quarterback Arch Manning (16) gets ready to throw during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) adjusts his helmet as he speaks with Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian oversees a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive back Kobe Black (6) listens to instructions during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian oversees a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) receives the ball during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ty Boatright (89) receives the ball during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) smiles during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Maraad Watson (98) practices hits during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Josiah Sharma (90) and Texas Longhorns tight end Spencer Shannon (83) run a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Travis Shaw (44) takes a water break during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Josiah Sharma (90) and Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Isaiah Coleman (94) practice drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns quarterback Joe Tatum (18) passes to a teammate during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns quarterback Luke Dunham (25) passes to a teammate during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) takes a water break during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns edge Zina Umeozuku (9) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) listens to instructions during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Bryce Chambers (48) catches a pass during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) passes to a teammate during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) runs the ball forward during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) listens to instructions during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ty Boatright (89) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive back Ryan Niblett (21) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
But the Mannings know they can’t mute the noise entirely.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Arch Manning downplays his own Heisman candidacy
ESPN predicted that he’ll be the most dynamic quarterback in “perhaps” a generation before he takes his first snap as a true No. 1. He was the preseason favorite the be the top overall pick next year before his grandfather, Archie, moved the market by predicting on the record that he’ll come back to Texas in 2026.
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And, as of Wednesday afternoon, he was the Heisman Trophy favorite, preferred by the oddsmakers to established quarterbacks like Cade Klubnik, Garrett Nussmeier, LaNorris Sellers and Carson Beck.
“People are saying he’s a Heisman candidate,” Archie told Texas Monthly. “You’re not a Heisman Trophy candidate when you haven’t played but three games. It’s crazy.”
MORE: Ethan Burke, Trey Moore among the crucial defensive players for Texas football
It is, undoubtedly, unusual for the betting market to call its shot on a Heisman Trophy frontrunner after 260 collegiate snaps, the bulk of which came against listless opposition in UTSA, Louisiana-Monroe and Mississippi State.
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But how unusual would it be for an inexperienced quarterback like Manning to emerge and win the award?
History of other Heisman QBs over the years
Since 2005, five different quarterbacks have won the Heisman Trophy without starting a game at the Division I level before their Heisman seasons.
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The most recent quarterback to achieve that feat was Alabama’s Bryce Young in 2021. Like Manning, Young was the top quarterback in his recruiting class. And, like Manning, he had to wait, sitting behind Mac Jones during the Crimson Tide’s 2020 national championship season.
The other four quarterbacks on that list are Florida State’s Jameis Winston, Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel, Auburn’s Cam Newton and Florida’s Tim Tebow.
MORE: Returning lineman DJ Campbell hungry after 2024 season
Of course, there are counterexamples. Jayden Daniels — a quarterback who epitomized the game’s shift toward older, experienced players after the COVID-19 pandemic granted college athletes an extra season of eligibility — started 43 games for LSU and Arizona State before his Heisman campaign. Baker Mayfield started 33 games at Oklahoma before embarking on his Heisman season. Robert Griffin III and Marcus Mariota started 27 and 26 games at Baylor and Oregon, respectively, before their trophy-winning years got going.
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Fifteen quarterbacks have lifted the Heisman Trophy since 2005. They averaged 12.9 starts worth of experience before beginning their campaigns.
The Arch Manning media circus includes no shortage of ludicrous exhibits. But history says a potential Heisman Trophy candidacy isn’t one of them.
Not that Manning is paying attention either way.
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“I feel like we do a good job of keeping the main thing the main thing, trying to get better every day and go win some games,” he said.