Steve Spurrier criticizes Arch Manning's fundamentals, suggests Texas QB ask uncles Peyton, Eli for help

Steve Spurrier recently caught up with his old quarterback, Jesse Palmer. Now a color commentator for ESPN, Palmer was in Austin over the weekend for the Texas–San Jose State game. An opportunity to see Arch Manning in action for the quarterback’s second start of 2025.

Once again, the fundamentals were brought up. Spurrier relayed the message while appearing on Another Dooley Noted Podcast on Monday. The legendary head coach even threw out a suggestion to get the issue fixed.

“When he did the Texas game, he was talking about how Arch Manning’s fundamentals are not good right now,” Spurrier said. “He needs to maybe get his uncles, Eli and Peyton, to come work with him a little bit. That’s all he needs but his fundamentals are off a little bit.”

Manning has been quite honest about the relationship he possesses with his two uncles. A lot of football conversation does take place between them, maybe a little more intense with Peyton than Eli. Either way, both of them are heavily supportive of their nephew.

But really, Steve Sarkisian and QB coach AJ Milwee will be the one who needs to help Manning tweak a few things. They might say progress was made on Saturday against San Jose State, putting together a much better performance compared to Ohio State. Texas walked off the field much happier about the result as well.

Manning threw for 295 yards and four touchdowns — two each to wide receiver Parker Livingstone and tight end Jack Endries. Everyone was excited to see the connection between Manning and Ryan Wingo heading into the season. However, to this point, the duo is just a tick or two off.

For the most part, Manning walked away feeling positive about where his game stands. Even so, Palmer saw enough to share that information with Spurrier.

There are a couple more games Texas might consider tune-ups before getting on the field against a power conference opponent. UTEP comes to Austin on Saturday, followed by Sam Houston. The Longhorns will be heavily favored in both.

One week later, a place Peyton knows quite well — the Swamp — welcomes Manning for another road start. You know Spurrier wants the Florida Gators to walk away winners after a tough result against USF. Maybe he sees an area where head coach Billy Napier can gain an advantage, hoping for a mistake from Manning due to the fundamentals.