Steve Sarkisian Explains How Arch Manning Gained the Trust of Coaches and Teammates

Arch Manning, the highly touted freshman quarterback at the University of Texas, has made a significant impact since arriving on campus. Known for his football pedigree, being the son of Cooper Manning and the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, expectations surrounding Arch have been sky-high. However, it wasn’t just his last name that earned him the trust of coaches and teammates—according to Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, it’s Arch’s dedication, work ethic, and maturity that have impressed everyone around him.

In a recent interview, Sarkisian shed light on how Manning has quickly established himself as a leader in the locker room and earned the respect of the coaching staff. Despite the immense pressure that comes with his famous family, Manning has shown no signs of being overwhelmed. Instead, he has approached his transition to college football with humility and a willingness to learn.

“Arch came in with a mindset that he was going to earn his place,” Sarkisian said. “It wasn’t about his name. It wasn’t about his background. It was about the work he put in every day to get better and show the coaches and teammates he could be trusted.” According to Sarkisian, Arch has consistently been one of the hardest-working players on the team, arriving early for practices, staying late for extra drills, and always asking the right questions to improve his game.

Sarkisian emphasized that Arch’s maturity stands out. While many freshmen can be overwhelmed by the college experience, Arch has maintained a level of composure that reflects his football IQ and the coaching he’s received from a young age. “Arch doesn’t get rattled easily,” Sarkisian noted. “He approaches the game with the poise of a veteran, and that has allowed him to earn the confidence of his teammates and coaches alike.”

His teammates have also echoed similar sentiments, noting that Manning is not only a talented quarterback but also a great teammate. “He’s always the first one to pick someone up after a mistake, and he’s always asking how he can be better,” said senior wide receiver Xavier Worthy. “He’s one of the guys, and that goes a long way in building trust.”

Even though Arch Manning has yet to start a game for the Longhorns, his development behind the scenes has made a strong impression. With the current quarterback room featuring veteran signal-callers like Quinn Ewers, Arch knows that his time to take the reins may not come immediately. However, his steady progress in practice and his ability to learn from those around him is setting him up for future success.

Sarkisian noted that the coaching staff is excited about the potential Arch brings to the table. “We’ve seen his arm strength, his accuracy, and his ability to read defenses,” Sarkisian said. “But more importantly, we’ve seen his character and leadership. That’s what gives us confidence in him as we move forward.”

As Arch Manning continues to adjust to the rigors of college football, it’s clear that his journey will be closely watched, both for his potential as a quarterback and the way he’s handled the weight of his family’s legacy. With the trust of his coaches and teammates already firmly in place, Arch is well on his way to carving out his own legacy at Texas.