Georgia Bulldogs HC Kirby Smart confirms suspicion about Texas Longhorns QB Arch Manning
How good is Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning?
I mean, we know he’s good. But just how good is he?
That’s a question that’s been asked since Manning was a high school player in New Orleans playing against some less-than-stellar competition — which led to some folks suggesting that his recruiting ranking was a bit inflated (Manning was rated by 247Sports as the No. 1 overall player in the 2023 recruiting class).
Manning, who is a redshirt freshman, has looked good in limited action for the Longhorns — he has 939 passing yards, nine passing touchdowns, 95 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns this season — but he hasn’t been the go-to quarterback for Texas in a big game yet. And until we see him in that role, it’s hard to know just how good Manning will be.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart comments on Texas quarterback Arch Manning
With Texas and Georgia set to meet in the SEC Championship game on Saturday, Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart was asked about preparing for Manning.
(Quinn Ewers is set to start for Texas, but Manning could still play a significant role in the game.)
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart didn’t hold back when discussing Arch Manning, calling him “everything people expected him to be” and praising the New Orleans native as a “great player.”
“He’s everything everyone thought he’d be,” said Smart this week when asked about Manning. “He’s athletic, intelligent, and quick. He’s a great thrower who can run the entire offense while also creating challenges with designed runs or improvising off-schedule plays. Both are dangerous. His designed runs stretch the defense across the whole field, and then he’s also an exceptional passer. He’s truly a great player.”
Smart also acknowledged Texas’ careful handling of Manning’s development: “They’ve managed him the right way. He’s gained confidence week by week, and starting a few games has only accelerated his readiness. You couldn’t write a better story for his growth as a quarterback.”
If Kirby Smart, arguably the best coach in college football, speaks this highly of Manning, it’s safe to call the young quarterback “elite.” Manning’s on-field presence speaks for itself—he consistently makes plays and showcases his competitiveness, strong football pedigree, powerful arm, and underrated athleticism.
These traits not only make Manning a potential No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft in the coming years but also position him to be a future superstar at the professional level.
You don’t have to take my word for it—just listen to Kirby Smart. If anyone knows what elite talent looks like, it’s him.
