Arch Manning Faces Pressure After UTEP Game Performance

Austin, September 15, 2025

News Summary

Following a lackluster performance in Texas’ victory over UTEP, quarterback Arch Manning is under scrutiny as the Longhorns prepare for their next game against Sam Houston State. Despite completing just 11 of 25 passes and struggling with accuracy, Manning’s teammates and coaches continue to support him. As the season progresses, his ability to lead the No. 1 ranked team in the country is being questioned, especially with a challenging SEC schedule ahead.

Austin, Texas – Texas quarterback Arch Manning is facing growing pressure to improve his performance after a lackluster outing in the Longhorns’ 27-10 victory over UTEP. Initially celebrated as an early favorite for the Heisman Trophy, Manning’s play has come under scrutiny following a difficult start to the season, raising doubts about his ability to lead the No. 1 team in the country.

In the matchup against UTEP, Manning completed just 11 of 25 passes for 114 yards and a single touchdown. His performance peaked with a grim second quarter, where he missed ten consecutive passes and threw an interception in the end zone. Manning’s tendency to miss open receivers and appear uneasy in the pocket has raised questions about his readiness as the starting quarterback.

Despite Manning’s struggles, the Longhorns improved their record to 2-1, buoyed by a solid defensive performance that included two interceptions and a total of six turnovers in the last two games. The defensive coordinator, Pete Kwiatkowski, crafted effective pressure packages that forced UTEP’s quarterback, Malachi Nelson, into making mistakes.

Manning’s completion percentage currently stands at 55% over the first three games of the season. He has acknowledged the need for improvement, expressing his confidence in his potential to excel. With the team’s upcoming match against Sam Houston State approaching, Manning will be striving to increase his accuracy and decision-making ability ahead of a challenging SEC schedule.

Manning’s statistics reveal deeper issues; while he has shown mobility with 51 yards rushing and two rushing touchdowns, he has demonstrated notable inconsistencies in red zone executions and overall passing rhythm. An interception thrown on a critical fourth-down play highlighted the need for further development in his red zone decision-making.

Support from his teammates remains strong, with offensive lineman Trevor Goosby affirming his belief in Manning’s capabilities as a quarterback. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has called for patience from fans, emphasizing the need for Manning to grow into his role as the leader of the Longhorns’ offense. Manning’s potential is underscored by his pedigree; he is a highly-touted recruit from a prominent football family.

The Longhorns’ recent success on defense, in contrast to their offensive struggles, suggests that while the team is competitive, significant improvement is necessary for a successful season in the SEC. Analysts are beginning to question whether Manning can step up to the challenge as scrutiny surrounding him increases.

Next week, as Texas faces Sam Houston State, the focus will again be on Manning’s ability to deliver under pressure and lead the offense effectively, while also hoping to restore his early-season Heisman hopes.

Key Game Statistics

• Passing: 11 of 25 for 114 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
• Rushing: 51 yards, 2 touchdowns
• Completion Percentage: 55% over first three games

Upcoming Schedule

• Sam Houston State – Next Week
• SEC Play Begins – Date TBA

Player and Coach Comments

• Manning acknowledges need for improvement
• Sarkisian calls for fan patience
• Teammates express ongoing confidence in Manning’s abilities

FAQ

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Additional Resources

• Burnt Orange Nation
• Wikipedia: Arch Manning
• El Paso Times
• Google Search: Arch Manning Texas
• AP News
• Google Scholar: Arch Manning Football
• Hook’em Headlines
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Arch Manning
• Times Free Press
• Google News: Arch Manning news

Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER

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