Manning Named to Prestigious Watchlist Ahead of Season-Opener

The Texas Longhorns are ranked No. 1 in the AP preseason poll for the first time in school history. The Longhorns will be led on the field by a first-time, full-time starter in talented redshirt sophomore quarterback Arch Manning.

On Tuesday, Manning was selected for inclusion on the watchlist for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. Manning has only 12 games of collegiate experience under his helmet over the past two seasons as a backup to Quinn Ewers.

However, Manning has the acumen and the talent required for the most important position on the field.

Last season, Manning threw for over 900 yards, nine TDs and just two INTs. He performed with surgical precision as he completed 68 percent of his throws.

Elevating the Texas offense with an elite skillset, Manning can throw the deep pass and put pressure on opposing defensive secondaries. He can also gain much-needed yardage when flushed out of the pocket. As a result, the Longhorns offensive unit should thrive in 2025 under Manning’s direction.

Manning continues to find his name on watch lists this preseason, including:

• Davey O’Brien Award
• Walter Camp Award
• Maxwell Award

In addition, Manning is a Heisman Trophy candidate. He was named a first-team All-American by the Sporting News and third-team All-SEC by the media.

Manning and the Longhorns travel to Columbus, Ohio on Aug. 30 to take on the defending national champions, the Ohio State Buckeyes.

The game will surely be must-see television for college football fans everywhere and will serve as a gridiron crucible for Manning. The Horseshoe will be a panorama of scarlet and gray, but Manning has what it takes to lead the Longhorns to ultimate victory.

The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award is in its 39^th year of existence. According to the Golden Arm Foundation website, it is “committed to advancing the game of college football, while promoting character, leadership and academic achievement among young athletes.”