Anonymous SEC coach calls Texas the 'program to chase' even if Arch Manning turns pro

Last week, Athlon Sports released a story that included quotes from anonymous SEC coaches commenting on other in-conference programs. While several programs received harsh criticism from the anonymous sources, Texas was hailed by the other coaches around the league.

“If [Arch] Manning blows up and goes to the league next year, this is still the program to chase,” one coach said. “They’re professionalizing in a way other programs aren’t.”

It’s difficult to make it to the top of college football, but it’s almost impossible to stay there. Texas is looking to do just that after reaching back-to-back College Football Playoff semifinals.

As the anonymous coach mentioned, much of Texas’ 2025 campaign hopes will hinge on quarterback Arch Manning, who is entering his first season as the program’s QB1. Nonetheless, the coach doesn’t believe that Texas will sink back into mediocrity after Manning eventually moves onto the NFL.

This belief is evidently rooted in Texas’ efforts off the field to modernize the program. In 2022, Texas brought together five separate NIL entities to form the Texas One Fund, which is considered one of the wealthiest NIL funds in the country.

The Texas One Fund has a working partnership with WME Sports, with a sales team based in Austin that works hand-in-hand with the collective ​​​to support athletes. Another coach said that Texas “is one of the most effectively run in terms of personnel, NIL and the new era of the sport.”

Manning is the poster boy for Texas’ NIL success. The redshirt sophomore boasts NIL deals with popular brands such as Panini America, Uber and Red Bull.

In total, Manning has a $6.6 million On3 NIL valuation, the highest of any college athlete. No other college athlete’s NIL valuation comes within $2 million of Manning. One SEC coach thinks Manning will find as much success on the gridiron this season as he’s found off it.

“Right now, the belief is that Arch will elevate the offense immediately, and you can expect a much more dynamic scheme from Sark,” the coach said. “This kid is a legit, Heisman-level package. Provided he produces at that level, the offense will be even better. They’re stacked with talent.”

While fans will have to wait to see how Texas adjusts after Manning moves on, it won’t be long before the 2025 campaign kicks off. The Longhorns will jumpstart the upcoming season with a Week 1 showdown against Ohio State on Aug. 30.