Arch Manning on Texas preseason ranking: 'That doesn't mean anything'

Arch Manning isn’t allowing Texas‘ No. 1 ranking in the preseason AP Top 25 to go to his head. On Tuesday, the Texas quarterback downplayed the Longhorns’ impressive ranking.

“That doesn’t mean anything. Being ranked before the season even starts, that doesn’t mean anything,” Manning said. “I don’t even know how they get those opinions. But, I feel like we do a good job of keeping the main thing the main thing, trying to get better every day to go win some games.”

It’s the first time in school history Texas has entered the season as the No. 1 team in the country. The Longhorns have reached the College Football Playoff semifinals in back-to-back seasons and expectations are through the roof for the team in the 2025 campaign.

Arch Manning stepping into the QB1 role for Texas is perhaps leading to more hype around the team anything else. With his uncles being legendary quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch is football royalty. Now, fans are eager to see the redshirt sophomore write his own story.

While Manning has never been Texas’ full-time starter behind center, he’s occasionally received opportunities to step into the spotlight. When Quinn Ewers suffered an injury in Week 2 last season, Manning finished the game and started for the Longhorns in the subsequent two contests.

In the two starts, Manning completed 41-of-his-60 pass attempts for 583 yards and four touchdowns while only throwing two interceptions. He also recorded 29 rushing yards and a touchdown.

College football experts expect Manning to take his game to an even higher level this fall in Texas’ starting role. Earlier this month, ESPN’s Jordan Reid revealed why NFL scouts are already dying to see Manning suit up for their respective teams.

“At 6-foot-4, 222 pounds, Manning has prototypical size and a well-built frame,” Reid wrote. “… He has picture-perfect mechanics. He throws from a strong platform and seems to always play on balance from the pocket.

“Manning also has a quick, over-the-top delivery that helps him get the ball out effectively. He has the necessary arm strength and confidence to drive the ball into tight windows, but one of the more impressive parts of his film was his success as a downfield thrower.”

Texas will have a chance to prove its deserving of its preseason ranking on Aug. 30, when the Longhorns square off against No. 3 Ohio State at noon ET. The game will air live on FOX.