Steve Sarkisian honest about how Manning family handles attention on Arch: 'This isn't about how many eyeballs they can get'

Attention surrounding Arch Manning has gone into overdrive in recent months. Since Quinn Ewers left the program and Manning officially took over as the starting quarterback, arguably no name in college football is more popular. Part of the territory of being at Texas with arguably the most famous last name in the sport.

Some might be overwhelmed with all of the hype but Steve Sarkisian Manning is different. It comes with the nature of his family, where Sarkisian knows they are not too caught up in all the interest. When needed, the flip can switch on — as we say during SEC Media Days. Otherwise, everything is about football.

“I think there is something about the Mannings,” Sarkisian said in an interview with ESPN’s Rece Davis. “They have a very unique way of feeling normal. As big as the brand is, as big as they are, they have this unique way of getting into character when they need to be in character, and stepping out of character when they don’t need to be in character and focus on what they need to do.

“They’re obviously very family-oriented. This isn’t about how many eyeballs they can get, how many commercials they can do. But yet, they understand there are going to be eyeballs on [Arch]. There’s a level of comfort in managing in that for them that makes me feel good.”

While the Manning family might not be searching for the eyeballs, they certainly can produce them. Uncles Peyton and Eli are as popular as anybody, doing all kinds of commercials. Their Monday Night Football alternate cast has become a staple of football season, too.

Raising Cane’s recently got in on the fun, getting Arch, Cooper, and Archie together for a social media campaign. Airing around the time of the Manning Passing Academy, LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier joined them.

Football season is nearing, though. Texas starts fall camp in the coming days as preparation for Aug. 30 against Ohio State begins. When the Longhorns take the field in Columbus, there is a decent chance they are ranked the preseason No. 1 team.

Manning is going to be locked in and prepared for the moment. Sarkisian knows he can switch in and out of “character” when needed. Texas will need him to play the role of elite quarterback from the get-go and throughout the season. As usual, high praise for Manning from his head coach.