SEC Network analyst: 'Naive' to think Arch Manning will not experience growing pains

The Arch Manning hype is about the burst as we fall into the tail-end of talking season. Nobody has been discussed more this offseason than the Texas quarterback. Everyone is waiting for Manning to burst through the door and potentially perform as one of the best quarterbacks in college football.

SEC Network’s Chris Doering is potentially hitting the brakes, though. Doering says there are going to be some growing pains for Manning and believing otherwise is “naive.” Not only because Manning is a first-year guy but Texas does lose some key pieces around him.

“The fact that he’s going to come in and not have any growing pains, I think, is a little naive,” Doering said Tuesday on SEC Now. “Particularly, you lose a couple guys up front, Kelvin Banks being one of those guys. Couple receivers as well. I think it’s just a lot of pressure to put on him from the jump.”

On paper, the Longhorns are losing four out of their five starting offensive lineman. Right guard DJ Campbell is the only starter returning, entering his fourth season. However, guys like Trevor Goosby and Cole Hutson did play at critical moments during last year’s run.

As for wide receiver, Ryan Wingo steps into the WR1 spot in Steve Sarkisian‘s offense after a worthy true freshman campaign. DeAndre Moore will provide plenty of speed from the slot and then, Texas may have a few candidates to be the third target. Options will certainly be there for Manning but Doering may be playing the ‘Wait and See’ game with them.

Back to Manning, a lot of confidence has to come from his spot-start duties in place of Quinn Ewers. Two full starts resulted in 583 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Both turnovers came against Louisiana-Monroe, a game where Manning also only completed 51.7% of his throws.

A little tougher test will be heading Manning’s way to start 2025. Texas travels up to Columbus for a massive showdown against the Ohio State Buckeyes. While plenty left for the NFL this offseason, Ohio State should still possess one of the best defenses out there. Manning should be tested early and often.

Doering did not cast any doubt on what could be in store this season. He just thinks some of the early season play from Manning might not exactly be what everyone is expecting out of him — something many first-time starting quarterbacks experience.