Texas Longhorns QB Arch Manning details his main focus this season at SEC Media Days
The new man under center went through the media car wash and revealed what his main concern is ahead of August 30 matchup with Ohio State.
Arch Manning was surrounded by reporters with cell phones, microphones and tape recorders Tuesday. Everyone clamoring to find out just what makes him tick, the third-year signal caller revealed to everyone who would listen what his main focus is in 2025.
"I’m just here to play football. That’s kind of what I want my focus to be.”
Manning admitted it was tough to wait his turn. He discussed going from "starting every game" at Isidore Newman (La.) to backing up Quinn Ewers was tough on him. But, he knows it was good for him and has prepared him for this moment.
"Anytime you can get reps in the game and make an impact to help your team win, it definitely builds confidence for the following year," Manning said. "I think I'm going to try and build on that.
He was also pretty candid when asked about all the preseason hype around his Heisman Trophy odds.
“It’s nice of them to say, but it doesn’t mean anything," Manning said. "Talk is cheap, I gotta go prove it."
The spotlight has always been on Arch Manning. And this spring and summer has been no different.
A reporter asked him about his popularity in Austin and how it compares to others. Manning laughed it off and pointed to others who are far more famous.
"We got a bunch of famous people in Austin," Manning said. "We got McConaughey rolling around, so, I'm in his shadow."
As far as his popularity in the locker room, though, head coach Steve Sarkisian told Sportscenter why he thinks Manning is so special.
"I think he's him….You know quarterbacks, one of their main responsibilities is to instill belief. Belief in the locker room, belief in the coaching staff, belief in the fanbase and I think Arch has done that for us."
All-American safety Michael Taaffe was in Atlanta with Manning this week for SEC Media Days. He goes head-to-head against him in practice and can already see why the preseason hype is there.
“The biggest competitor on offense is that guy with all the reporters around him,” Taaffe said. “The other No. 16. We go at it all day long. We’re best friends right now, but when we step on the green grass, we are not best friends. It’s like real deal hate towards each other. I was telling him the other day that I can’t wait to be cheering you on because it sucks going against you right now.”
The Texas Longhorns will kick off the 2025 season on the road at the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes, August 30 at 11am CT on FOX.
