ARCH MANNING

3 Sept 25

I must chime in on this. Throughout my life I’ve argued against the ‘dumb jock’ narrative, as I’ve met some of the smartest people I’ve ever known through sports (specifically running). Obviously there are plenty of intelligent people out there who are/were elite athletes, as well as former coaches, sports commentators, journalists, and fans who are perceptive, fair-minded, and erudite. But a lot of the dialogue around Arch Manning is just fucking stupid. 

First, yes, the internet is overly-democratized. We know this. Every voice is presented in a way that’s seemingly equal: someone who’s studied a disease his/her entire life can be viciously provoked by someone who ‘saw a thing on Fox News’, and if this scientist makes reference to the decades of hard work he/she put in, they’re immediately dismissed as ‘woke’. It’s toxic and destructive, depressing and moronic, but that’s life in 2025. If I want to challenge John McEnroe on a fine point of tennis technique, my argument is just as valid as his. I will loudly and arrogantly declare myself the debate champion and a tennis expert (note: actual expertise not required). 

Additionally, ESPN has signaled to all of us that a particular type of simplistic, shock-value ranting is preferred above fact-driven, experienced commentary. Who’s the tough guy – in his muscle shirt – regularly making dumb, cocky comments? He was a kicker, right? You’re on TV – put on a dress shirt and blazer you dipshit. 

On social media the posts re: Texas football are about as poisonous as they come. The trolls are pervasive and nasty. As far as I can tell these are some of the most disgusting humans out there, as they’re often attacking teenagers, who happen to be incredibly good at football but are clearly inexperienced, and trying to figure it out, and thrust on to a public platform they’re not quite prepared for. 

Arch Manning, I would argue, is prepared. I’ve researched him, specifically learning about his family and upbringing. I’ve watched and read interviews with him. Remember: Arch’s parents weren’t superstars. They were both excellent athletes, but they’ve never been famous in the way his uncles and grandfather are. He grew up in a pretty normal household, he works hard, he depends on his friends and family, and he “just loves to ball” as he often says. He seems to strike that unusual and ideal balance of self-confidence and humility, and he holds himself accountable. He knows he hasn’t done anything yet. The hype machine will roll along in whatever crazy direction it does; he’s eager to learn, lead the Longhorns, and win football games. 

That didn’t happen on Saturday and, generally speaking, he played poorly. He was the first one to admit it. Sark’s job is different – part of his role is to spin things a bit, and he did, while acknowledging that Arch was pressing and looked uncomfortable. Also, Sark rightly pointed out that Ohio State is wildly talented and their (NFL-veteran) defensive coordinator threw some coverages and schemes at Arch that he struggled with. I thought he made some nifty runs, and exceptional throws, in the second half. But it was too little too late. Texas loses. 

So as fans, as onlookers, what do we say? Frustrating loss? Of course. Does Arch need to play better? Yep. Is part of this on the coaching staff? You bet it is. As Sark said, this was the first chapter of a (long) book. Sark also said Texas would do a lot of “internal focus” this week, which makes sense. 

So who says it’s okay to heartlessly attack this kid? What’s the thought process? And even more to the point, how idiotic do you have to be to declare Manning a failure and the Texas season over after one game? The college football season is very long. Did you notice? Put the two together – hatefully attacking the young player and making broad melodramatic statements about the future of Texas football – and you have a special kind of jackass. Arch Manning is prepared for this. The reason I know this is because of the way he handled the aftermath, the way he discussed it; he shouldered the blame and insisted that he must get back to work and improve. He did this in the same measured, cool-as-a-cucumber way he does everything. When the Heisman hype is deafening, he’s steady. When the criticism is mean-spirited and brainless, he’s steady. I think Arch Manning is going to be just fine. The college football trolls? No one actually cares what they think or do, because there’s no reason to. 

Thanks for reading my little Wednesday vent. Hook ‘em. hg