While the Texas Longhorns enjoy having one of the most promising quarterback rooms in college football, recent developments in the NFL are casting a new light on what it takes to be truly prepared for the league. With Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning both headlining Texas’s lineup, there’s no shortage of talent, but there may be a hard lesson for future NFL hopefuls about the importance of college experience.

This latest revelation stems from a growing trend in the NFL-high draft picks, once believed to have unlimited potential, are seeing their starting roles quickly snatched away if they falter. This past Sunday’s debacle serves as a cautionary tale for rising stars. Anthony Richardson, the former Florida Gators standout and No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, experienced just that as the Indianapolis Colts decided to bench him after yet another difficult performance. The rookie’s rough outing, coupled with his decision to sit himself out of the third quarter due to fatigue, triggered conversations around a much-needed change at quarterback.

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This shift led some NFL insiders to question: are college QBs being thrown into the league before they’re fully ready? For college quarterbacks, Richardson’s struggle underlines an unspoken message-prepare to sink or swim with little room for error. Increasingly, NFL executives seem reluctant to offer a long leash, expecting readiness and resilience from day one. And, according to ESPN’s Matt Miller, there’s even more to it.

In a social media post that’s garnered attention, Miller highlighted that scouts and agents are urging college quarterbacks to commit to multiple years as starters before making the leap to the pros. The thinking is simple: more time in college means more reps, a stronger foundation, and a higher chance of meeting NFL demands. While Richardson’s example is one among several, his experience echoes other young quarterbacks like Trey Lance and Mac Jones who have also faced early criticism and short tenures in starting roles.

What does this mean for Manning?

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So, what does this mean for Arch Manning? Texas fans are well aware of the buzz surrounding the young quarterback, who’s expected to take the reins from Ewers come 2025. Some already see Manning as a first-round NFL prospect for 2026, and it’s tempting to imagine the Manning name headlining a draft class. But as Miller’s revelation shows, early success in college doesn’t always translate to NFL readiness. Manning, with his high-profile lineage, may feel the pressure to declare early, but this insider information could offer new perspective.

As the 2025 season approaches, Manning’s camp will face a decision: follow the path of fast-tracked stars, or linger for those crucial extra college reps that can make the transition smoother. In an NFL landscape where even Bryce Young, a multi-year college starter, struggles with the quick shift to professional demands, taking the extra time may be Manning’s best shot at thriving in the pros.

For quarterbacks like Manning, the option to stay another season might be a better long-term investment.