Steve Sarkisian & Arch Manning Face Mounting Pressure

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Texas, Steve Sarkisian and Arch Manning Face Questions Over Expectations

The Texas Longhorns generate more wealth than any other football program in the country, yet questions remain about whether head coach Steve Sarkisian and quarterback Arch Manning are meeting the program’s expectations.

Sarkisian said Manning is processing the game well and understands the high expectations surrounding him. However, if Manning’s name were removed from the back of his jersey, his performance might be judged differently. Those expectations are elevated because of his last name, but he still must win big games and perform in important moments.

Arch Manning deserves the same criticism directed at Shedeur Sanders during his time at Colorado. The standard should not change: quarterbacks must deliver in major games. The central question is whether Manning is overrated or whether Sarkisian is failing to coach him properly. That may not become clear unless Manning improves, transfers or continues his career elsewhere.

Texas faces a challenging group of opponents, including Florida, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Missouri, LSU, Arkansas and Texas A&M. Florida is unpredictable but capable of beating Texas, while Ole Miss is a good team with Trinidad Chambers. Mississippi State has Kamario Taylor, and Missouri is underrated in the Southeastern Conference. Texas could easily lose at least three of those games.

Sarkisian has not shown that he is a big-game coach, despite leading one of the country’s biggest programs. Both Sarkisian and Manning have underachieved, reflecting a broader problem for a program with significant financial resources and a roster filled with five-star talent.

Texas should be competing for a national championship every year, not merely trying to reach the College Football Playoff. The Longhorns cannot clearly be placed ahead of Miami, Georgia, Alabama, Indiana or Ole Miss, particularly when coaching is considered.

If Texas falters again, changes in Austin should be considered. A 10-3 season cannot simply be accepted at Texas, where the goal must be winning national championships and succeeding on the biggest stage.

Manning will also have a decision to make if Texas finishes 10-3 again. Entering the NFL draft would be a major mistake because he remains a developing player who needs more time in college football. He must decide whether to stay at Texas or consider another program, with Ohio State and Miami raised as possible destinations.