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By Jordan Sigler
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Arch Manning could be a problem for the SEC this fall.
The Texas quarterback entered the 2025 campaign as one of the most-hyped prospects in college football since at least Trevor Lawrence. Manning's debut against Ohio State last season was humbling, as he threw for 170 yards, one touchdown and one interception in a 14-7 loss to the Buckeyes.
Manning didn't start hitting his stride until late October, when he threw for 346 yards, three touchdowns and one interception in a 45-38 win over Mississippi State in overtime on Oct. 25. His solid performance in November and in Texas' 41-27 win over Michigan in the Citrus Bowl has some in the NFL believing the top quarterback taken in the 2027 NFL Draft will be either Manning or Oregon's Dante Moore.
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SEC coaches are already worried that Manning will be much better this season.
One SEC defensive coordinator told ESPN's Adam Rittenberg that they hope Manning can have an "off game" against their team. Another SEC defensive coordinator believes Manning is better set up for success after Texas landed wide receiver Cam Coleman in the transfer portal.
"He can absolutely rip it, like velocity, accuracy," the coach said. "He got a little bit out of whack and made some mistakes, and then people were really defending him. It's going to be really easy this year, because people are gonna have to double Cam Coleman. He's a real one, and so is (Ryan) Wingo, so it's like, you can't double both of them."
Manning finished with 3,163 yards passing, 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions last season. He added 399 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground.
In addition to Coleman, Texas added running back Hollywood Smothers in the transfer portal and boosted the offensive line, which was a problem for the Longhorns last year.
With an improved offense, Manning should be the best quarterback in the SEC, and Texas should be a favorite to win the conference.
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