‘Just Wasn’t Himself’ — Super Bowl Champion Weighs In on Arch Manning After Texas Star’s Disappointing 2025 Campaign

Former NFL quarterback and Super Bowl champion Chase Daniel recently spoke with Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning during the quarterback's rough period in his first full season as the team's starter in 2025. Daniel observed that Manning's mechanics and accuracy were not looking right early in the season, with throws bouncing short of their targets.

However, Manning was not overly worried, stating he was determined to fix the issues. After an hour-long discussion with Daniel, it was clear that the pressure he was under was weighing on him, but it did not define him.

Daniel noted that the expectations for Manning were unrealistic and monumental, given he had not played a single snap at the time of their meeting. Despite this, Manning still managed an impressive 2025 campaign, throwing for 3,163 yards, 26 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, while leading Texas to a 10-3 record. His 83.1 PFN QB Impact grade ranked 37th nationally, indicating that the preseason hype had exceeded his actual performance.

In 2026, Texas has bolstered its roster with the addition of Cam Coleman, an Auburn transfer receiver who had 708 yards and five touchdowns the previous season, as well as running backs Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown. Smothers rushed for 939 yards at NC State, while Brown topped 1,100 yards at Arizona State. Daniel is confident that the new additions will help alleviate the excuses for Manning.

As Texas prepares to face Texas State on Saturday, and then Ohio State a week later, the expectations have not disappeared. However, Manning has had a year to learn how to handle them. This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.