It’s that time of year for bold predictions, and Texas Longhorns fans have good reason for optimism. According to Phil Steele, Texas is well-positioned to challenge the powerhouse Georgia Bulldogs for the top spot in the expanded 16-team SEC. Steele ranks the Longhorns at finishing in the No. 2 spot behind Kirby Smart and Co for this upcoming season.
Arch Manning has impressed in his limited appearances over the past two seasons, and expectations for his future remain high. Last season, the Longhorns lost to Georgia twice, once at Darrell K. Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium and again in the SEC Championship game. As Texas enters its second year in the conference, hopes are high that this season’s projections might finally go their way.
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“The fact that this will be Arch’s third year in that system, he’ll have great knowledge of the system – still hasn’t had on-the-field game reps as I’m sure he would have liked, but those will come this year,” Peyton Manning told The Sporting News.
Manning faces a lot of pressure as he prepares to become the QB1 for the Longhorns, following two seasons as Quinn Ewers' backup. Recently, Manning was seen participating in the Manning Passing Academy with his uncles and grandfather, Eli, Peyton, and Archie Manning, as well as his father, Cooper. If one thing is for sure about Arch, he’s committed to his success, admitting he’s got a long way to go, but he’s confident in his success.