Is the Arch Manning hype real, or is it just pre-season fantasy? Urban Meyer isn’t holding back, calling out the skyrocketing expectations for the Texas Longhorns QB before he’s even truly started. Could the legendary coach be right about taking a step back?

The burgeoning narrative surrounding Arch Manning, the latest prominent figure in football’s most celebrated lineage, has reached an almost unprecedented fervor leading into the 2025 college football season. As the highly anticipated starting quarterback for the top-ranked Texas Longhorns, Manning is already generating immense speculation, with oddsmakers placing him as a significant favorite for the Heisman Trophy and even projecting him as a future No. 1 overall NFL draft pick, sparking intense discussions about college football hype.

However, not everyone within the esteemed echelons of college football coaching is buying into the monumental expectations placed upon the young quarterback. Veteran coach Urban Meyer, a proven architect of three national championship teams at both Florida and Ohio State, has emerged as a prominent voice cautioning against the premature anointment of Manning, suggesting a more grounded perspective is necessary before declaring him a lock for individual and team accolades.

Meyer’s blunt assessment, “Arch Manning hasn’t done a thing yet,” directly challenges the widespread narrative. He elaborated on his stance, acknowledging the impressive talent Manning possesses but emphasizing the lack of substantial on-field performance to justify the “Heisman,” “National Champion,” and “first pick overall” pronouncements. Meyer urged for a focus on more fundamental achievements, like securing “a couple of first downs,” before elevating the young signal-caller to such lofty pedestals.

Despite Meyer’s pointed remarks, Manning’s collegiate career has not been entirely devoid of production. In his two previous seasons in Austin, he has showcased glimpses of his potential, notably starting two games in place of the injured Quinn Ewers last season. During his redshirt freshman year, Manning accumulated over 1,000 total yards and 13 touchdowns across 10 appearances, demonstrating his capability and offering a preview of his potential as a top QB prospect.

In a testament to his dynamic abilities, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian even developed a specialized offensive package for Manning, which saw him complete 67.8 percent of his passes for 939 yards and nine touchdowns against only two interceptions. This strategic deployment allowed Manning to gain valuable experience and refine his skills within the high-pressure environment of top-tier college football, further fueling discussions around his long-term prospects in the Heisman Trophy race.

Nevertheless, Meyer remains unconvinced by the pervasive hype, extending his caution beyond just Arch Manning. He suggested that both Sarkisian and Ohio State head coach Ryan Day should implement conservative game plans for their respective redshirt freshman quarterbacks, including Ohio State’s own highly-touted Devin Brown, who will also be making his first career start as QB1 this Saturday.

Elaborating on his strategic advice, Meyer advocated for a highly restrictive approach, particularly regarding passing between the hashmarks, for both young quarterbacks. He highlighted the “adrenaline” factor inherent in first career starts, comparing it to an excited point guard whose shots often miss. This measured approach, Meyer argued, would mitigate risks and allow the young talents to acclimate to the intensity of their new roles without unnecessary pressure during critical early-season matchups.

As the college football world eagerly anticipates these high-stakes debuts, Meyer himself will be providing live commentary and analysis as part of FOX Sports’ pregame coverage. His presence ensures that his sharp, often critical, insights will continue to shape the narrative around these burgeoning QB prospects, offering a veteran’s perspective that prioritizes proven performance over speculative buzz, particularly concerning the Heisman Trophy and other top honors.