As Arch Manning prepares to take on the role of starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, his father, Cooper Manning, has shared a perspective that may seem surprising to some: he believes his son will need to struggle in order to succeed. Given the weight of the Manning name in football history, expectations are sky-high for Arch. However, Cooper insists that adversity is a necessary part of his son’s journey to becoming a great quarterback.
Learning Through Struggles
In a recent interview, Cooper Manning spoke candidly about the importance of Arch facing difficulties as he steps into a leadership role at Texas. “I think having your children struggle with some things is good. It’s frustrating not to play, but it builds character,” Cooper said. “Was it probably good for him in the long run? Yes.”
These comments come after Arch spent his first two seasons primarily as a backup to Quinn Ewers. Despite being a highly touted five-star recruit, Arch saw limited playing time, appearing in 10 games and starting just two. While this might have been disappointing for a young quarterback eager to prove himself, Cooper believes that experiencing setbacks will ultimately prepare him for the challenges ahead.
“Arch is going to have plenty more of those struggles,” Cooper continued. “These are the real ones—when you get beat, when you have bad games. That’s when you find out what you’re made of.”
The Pressure of the Manning Name
There’s no escaping the reality that Arch Manning carries a last name synonymous with quarterback excellence. His grandfather, Archie Manning, was an NFL star. His uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning, both won multiple Super Bowls and are considered two of the greatest quarterbacks in league history.
That legacy has placed Arch under an intense spotlight, with every move he makes scrutinized by media and fans. Cooper acknowledges that this added pressure can be both a blessing and a burden. “The media crowns you way too early and then jumps on you when you struggle,” he said. “It’s all part of the deal. Everybody likes a guy who can get beat down and come back.”
Cooper himself was once a promising football player before a spinal condition ended his career before it truly began. As a result, he has a unique perspective on the importance of resilience, and he wants his son to embrace adversity as part of his development.
The Road Ahead for Arch Manning
With Quinn Ewers now heading to the NFL, Arch is expected to take over as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback for the 2025 season. Texas has made back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances, meaning expectations for the program are as high as ever. Fans hope that Arch can be the player who leads the Longhorns to their first national championship since 2005.
However, the road won’t be easy. The SEC is one of the toughest conferences in college football, and Arch will face elite defenses week after week. There will likely be tough losses, bad games, and moments of doubt.
But if Cooper Manning’s philosophy holds true, those struggles will be exactly what Arch needs to grow into the quarterback Texas fans—and the football world—expect him to become.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Arch Manning. Will he live up to the immense hype? If his father is right, his journey to success won’t be immediate or easy—but it will be worth it.
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