Steve Sarkisian and Texas will arrive at SEC Media Days with Arch Manning and two of the best star defenders in the country
The trio of players set to arrive in Atlanta with Steve Sarkisian next week are the best of the best.
The official kickoff to the 2025 season for Texas Longhorns fans begins Tuesday, July 15 at SEC Media Days in Atlanta. Everyone has long been waiting for spring ball and the doldrums of the summer offseason to end. Well, now it has finally arrived.
With it comes head coach Steve Sarkisian and three of his best set to take on the droves of the media scrum at the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park.
Earlier this week, Texas announced Sarkisian would be flanked by two All-Americans and arguably the biggest name in college football next week. Linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., safety Michael Taaffe, and quarterback Arch Manning will take the stage to represent the burnt orange.
Joining Texas on Tuesday in Atlanta will be Texas Auburn, Georgia, and Tennessee.
It goes without saying, but we can reiterate for those in the back. The firepower behind Texas' three attendees is tough to beat.
Hill is one of the top players regardless of position in the country. He is almost certainly one of the favorites for the Butkus Award in 2025 and was a no-brainer to attend. There is also a considerable amount of first round NFL Draft buzz around his name heading into the season.
Taaffe was another who seemed like a gimme. You've heard the story. From walk-on to team captain and All-American, the former Austin Westlake star is now one of the premier safeties in the nation after a breakout year in 2024.
And lastly, Manning's buzz is palpable and obvious. He is the starting quarterback for the preseason No. 1 team in the country and his name reverberates across the country when it comes to talking ball. Sure, he isn't as seasoned as others at the position, but the small sample size we got a glimpse of in 2024 is enough to get folks on the Forty Acres fired up for another CFP run.
Anthony Hill Jr. and Michael Taaffe are the known commodities. But, Texas sending Arch Manning to SEC Media Days solidifies his time is now.
There are several marquee names in attendance next week for SEC Media Days across the conference. With folks like Garrett Nussmeier, John Mateer, DJ Lagway, and even Diego Pavia, it's hard to stand out. But despite the lack of ample cache, Manning stands above the rest heading into this season.
Sure it's a topic of discussion across the country. Is he worthy yet? Has he earned all the hype? If you asked Arch himself he would say "no". He sat down with ESPN's Marty Smith earlier this year to discuss carving his own path and making a name for himself.
"I haven't done anything," Manning said. "I'm not worried about my legacy, I'm just worried about playing ball and winning games."
He mentioned a lot of the "undeserved attention" he receives due to his prep accolades and government name. Smith asked him why he calls it that. The answer from Manning was simple.
"I don't think I've done enough to take a lot of pictures at restaurants and signing autographs."
But, despite the humble swagger, it's obvious Manning has Sarkisian's full support and confidence by receiving the invite to SEC Media Days.
But, the undeserved attention is over. All eyes are on Arch Manning now. And even more will be on him August 30 when Texas opens the season with defending national champs Ohio State.
