Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning has never been able to grow into the job away from the spotlight.
The family name, his ranking as the nation’s top recruit and the weight that comes with running the Longhorns offense have put every snap under a microscope.
That scrutiny hit hard early in his first full season as the starter in 2025. Texas dropped some big games, and Manning later admitted he was not having much fun.
One person who understood the burden of being Texas’ quarterback stepped in quietly.
Former Longhorns star Colt McCoy has become a key mentor for Manning behind the scenes.
“Obviously I have a lot of great mentors in my life and people to look up to, but it’s always cool having a guy that played here, was in your shoes,” Manning said of McCoy.
“He’s been so open to me. I’ve been super grateful for our relationship.”
McCoy cannot relate to every part of Manning’s path. Few players arrive with that mix of family legacy, recruiting hype and national attention.
He does know Austin and what it means to play quarterback for Texas.
McCoy took over after Vince Young left following the 2005 national title. He developed into an All-American, won 45 games as a starter and guided the Longhorns back to the championship game.
That background gives Manning a perspective his famous relatives cannot fully provide. McCoy has sat in that same quarterback room and felt the expectations that come with the burnt orange.
Gross reported that McCoy was one of the people who helped Manning start enjoying football again during the 2025 season.
Manning said he shifted his approach after spending the first half of the year frustrated with how he was playing.The change showed up in the results.
Manning finished that first full season as starter with 3,163 passing yards, 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He added 399 rushing yards and 10 rushing scores while Texas went 10-3.
The Longhorns won seven of their last eight games, including wins over Texas A&M and Michigan.
Expectations have climbed even higher heading into 2026. Manning landed on several major award watch lists and remains one of the most watched quarterbacks in the country.
The difference this time is a full season of experience plus McCoy’s guidance.Having someone who already lived the unique pressure of being Texas’ quarterback may matter as much as any X’s and O’s advice.
