BREAKING NEWS: Steve Sarkisian Gets Another Blow for 2025, Announces He Will Lose Arch Manning for Three Key Reasons

BREAKING NEWS: Steve Sarkisian Gets Another Blow for 2025, Announces He Will Lose Arch Manning for Three Key Reasons

January 19, 2025 – Sports Desk, Austin, TX

In an unexpected and painful announcement for the University of Texas football program, head coach Steve Sarkisian revealed today that he will lose highly-touted quarterback recruit Arch Manning ahead of the 2025 season. The news comes as a significant setback for Sarkisian, who has been working diligently to build a championship-contending team around the Manning legacy.

During a press conference this afternoon, Sarkisian explained that Manning, who has been considered the most promising quarterback prospect since his commitment to Texas in 2023, will be transferring out of the program due to three primary reasons. The announcement sent shockwaves through the Longhorns fanbase and the wider college football world, as Manning had been expected to lead Texas for the next several years.

Reason 1: Internal Program Struggles and Direction

Sarkisian cited internal struggles within the program as the first reason for Manning’s departure. Although Texas has shown flashes of greatness under Sarkisian’s guidance, including a bowl appearance in 2024, Manning reportedly felt that the overall direction of the team was not in alignment with his goals and ambitions. Sources close to Manning revealed that while he respected Sarkisian’s coaching style, he was frustrated by inconsistent offensive schemes and the inability to build a more dynamic supporting cast.

“We are building something here at Texas, but there are still some growing pains,” Sarkisian said. “Arch has expressed his concerns, and ultimately, he feels like there are other programs that better align with his vision for his future as a player.”

Reason 2: Rising Competition for Starting Role

Another contributing factor to Manning’s decision was the fierce competition at the quarterback position. While Manning was projected as the future face of the program, Sarkisian has consistently recruited top-tier quarterbacks, and the 2025 recruiting class features another highly-ranked signal caller. Manning, who has always been accustomed to being the undisputed starter, began to feel the pressure of competing for a role that may not guarantee immediate playing time.

“I’ve always believed in healthy competition,” Sarkisian explained. “But Arch is a player who wants to be in a situation where he can make an immediate impact. The competition for the starting role here at Texas was something he wasn’t ready to deal with, especially with the incoming talent.”

Reason 3: Personal Family Considerations

The third and most emotional reason cited by Sarkisian was related to Manning’s family. Arch, the grandson of NFL legend Archie Manning and nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, has been under intense pressure throughout his young career to live up to his family’s legacy. Sarkisian shared that Manning’s decision was heavily influenced by personal family considerations and a desire to be closer to home.

“It’s no secret that Arch comes from a family with tremendous football history,” Sarkisian said. “At the end of the day, family is always going to come first. Arch has decided that he needs to be closer to his family, and we fully respect that decision.”

The news has left Texas fans reeling, as Manning’s presence on the roster had been a key factor in generating excitement and optimism for the future of Longhorns football. Sarkisian, who had hoped to build a potent offense around the 6’4”, 220-pound quarterback, now faces the difficult task of rebuilding his quarterback room yet again.

Though the loss of Manning is a significant blow to the program’s long-term plans, Sarkisian remained optimistic about the future. “We’ve faced adversity before, and we’ll face it again. Texas football is about resilience and growth. We’ll move forward, and we’ll find a way to thrive.”

As for Manning’s future, it’s unclear where he will transfer, but with multiple top-tier programs likely to pursue him, the next chapter in his football journey will be one to watch closely.