Many expect quarterback Arch Manning to elevate the Texas Longhorns‘ offense next season. He must do so with unproven pass-catchers.
On Tuesday, Texas tight end Gunnar Helm and wide receiver Isaiah Bond declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. Longhorns wideout Matthew Golden also entered the draft on Monday.
These departures could hamper Texas’ passing attack. In 16 games, Helm, Bond and Golden combined for 152 receptions for 2,313 yards and 21 touchdown catches.
Texas freshman WR Ryan Wingo and sophomore WR DeAndre Moore Jr. flashed potential, but both struggled with drops. Per Pro Football Focus, Moore tied for the team’s most drops (five in 16 games), while Wingo tied for third (four in 16 games).
The Longhorns’ 2025 recruiting class features five-star WR Kaliq Lockett out of Sachse High School in Sachse, Texas. However, he may need time to learn head coach Steve Sarkisian’s offense.
A talented QB in Manning may solve the questions at WR and guide the Longhorns to their third straight College Football Playoff trip. 247 Sports ranked the 19-year-old as the No. 1 QB in the 2023 class.
“In addition to possessing all the physical tools desired at the QB position, Manning plays the game with exceptional intuition and awareness, showing the ability to navigate the game at a very high level,” wrote 247 Sports’ Cooper Petagna in a 2022 scouting report.
And who could forget that Super Bowl champions Peyton and Eli are his uncles?
Still, Arch lacks experience. In 12 games in two seasons with the program, he has 13 TDs (nine passing and four rushing) and 1,084 yards (969 passing and 115 rushing).
Expectations are high for Arch, but if he doesn’t prosper immediately, that shouldn’t raise concerns. Growing pains are typical for a young QB, especially if inexperienced pass-catchers surround him.
