Arch Manning loses a million and admits it’s all mental

Arch Manning carries the heaviest last name in college football. But he also shoulders the expectations of a generation that crowned him the next great quarterback before he even threw a pass as a starter. Now, three weeks into the season, the Texas signal-caller is facing a more complicated reality. His performance isn’t matching the hype, and the consequences are showing—on and off the field.

According to EssentiallySports, Arch Manning’s commercial value in the NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) market dropped from $6.5 million to $5.5 million in just three games. A million-dollar dip that mirrors what’s happening on the field: inconsistency, nerves, and a lack of rhythm. Manning has completed just 55.3% of his passes, with six touchdowns and three interceptions. Against UTEP, he threw ten straight incompletions and finished just 11 of 25.

Rough start

Steve Sarkisian, head coach of the Longhorns, compared Arch Manning’s mechanics to a bad golf swing. “You try to swing hard and then slow down at the end… that never works when throwing a football.” The analogy fits. Manning seems to be overthinking every play, holding the ball too long, and losing accuracy in key moments. He added 51 rushing yards, but relying on his legs won’t be sustainable against SEC defenses.

Arch Manning on what needs to change for him: pic.twitter.com/IAZRdhzuFM

— Orangebloods.com (@orangebloods_) September 15, 2025

The pressure is also creeping in emotionally. Arch Manning admitted his struggles are “pretty mental” and that he needs to get back to playing naturally. “I know I’m better than this,” he said after the game. It was a moment of self-awareness that, while honest, also revealed the weight he’s carrying. Being the heir to Peyton and Eli isn’t easy—every mistake gets magnified, every throw gets compared.

Rollercoaster in Austin

Texas is riding an emotional rollercoaster. Fans swing between hope and frustration. The upcoming game against winless Sam Houston could be the turning point Arch Manning needs to regain confidence. Offensive coordinator Kyle Flood is working to simplify the playbook and lean into Manning’s dual-threat potential, but time is ticking.

Arch Manning isn’t done—not yet. Sure, his stock has dipped, but it’s all about focus now. This season has already shown that talent alone isn’t enough when the last name weighs more than the football. And the real battle is being fought in his head.