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The eyes of college football are focused on one of the most intriguing stories of the 2023 season—the fate of Arch Manning, the highly-touted quarterback recruit who committed to the University of Texas. As the nephew of legendary quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch’s every move has been analyzed since the moment he set foot on campus. However, as his first season as a Texas Longhorn approaches, there’s growing concern in the heart of Texas Nation about what the future holds for the young star.

The Pressure of Arch Manning’s Legacy

There’s no denying that Arch Manning carries a weight far heavier than the average recruit. Being the grandson of legendary NFL quarterback Archie Manning, and the son of Cooper Manning, Arch’s pedigree has set expectations sky-high. His name alone commands attention. Fans and media alike are eagerly awaiting his arrival on the field, but it’s fair to say that the immense pressure Arch faces cannot be overstated.

Entering a storied program like Texas only heightens the stakes. Texas football, for better or worse, has had a complicated relationship with quarterback success over the past decade. The Longhorns haven’t had a truly dominant quarterback since Colt McCoy in the late 2000s. In recent years, the program has struggled with inconsistent play at the position, which has left fans desperate for a return to glory. With Arch Manning’s commitment, Texas Nation saw a beacon of hope for the future.

But as the new season looms, there are concerns surrounding the best way to bring Arch along without rushing him into the fire too soon. Head coach Steve Sarkisian, entering his third year at Texas, faces one of the toughest decisions of his career: how to protect Arch Manning while still allowing him to develop at a pace that suits his potential.

The Tough Call: Protecting Arch Manning

Steve Sarkisian is no stranger to quarterback development. As a former offensive coordinator at Alabama, he has worked with some of the best in the game, including Heisman Trophy winners and future NFL stars. He knows how critical it is to make the right call with a young quarterback, especially one as highly regarded as Arch.

The temptation to thrust Arch Manning into the starting role from day one is undoubtedly strong. After all, Manning’s recruiting pedigree has already cemented him as one of the most highly anticipated quarterback prospects in recent memory. Fans and boosters are eager to see the program’s future under the leadership of such a talented player. However, Sarkisian must resist the urge to bow to external pressure and take a long-term view of Manning’s development.

The question that Texas fans are asking is whether Sarkisian will be willing to make the tough call to protect Arch, even if that means sitting him for part of his freshman season. Many are urging Sarkisian to be strategic and consider the potential consequences of putting too much pressure on Arch too soon.

Why Protecting Arch Manning Is Crucial

In the world of college football, the pressure to perform immediately can sometimes outweigh the need for careful development. But it’s critical for both the program and Arch Manning’s future that he is allowed to grow into the role of starting quarterback without the weight of unrealistic expectations crushing him.

Arch is still learning the intricacies of playing at the highest level of college football. Even though he comes from a football family with a wealth of experience, he has to adjust to the speed and complexity of the game in the SEC. Simply put, freshman quarterbacks often face significant growing pains, no matter how talented they are. The difference between success and failure can often come down to how well they are managed and protected early in their careers.

By sitting Arch behind a veteran quarterback for a season, Sarkisian can give him the opportunity to learn from the sideline, refine his skills, and understand the nuances of the college game. This approach would allow him to develop a more solid foundation for his future career, while also giving the team the best chance to succeed in the present.

What’s at Stake for Texas Football?

The stakes are high for Texas football. The program has spent years attempting to return to national prominence, and a lot of hope has been pinned on Arch Manning’s shoulders. However, winning big in college football is a marathon, not a sprint. Protecting Arch Manning might not lead to immediate results on the field, but it could pay off in the long term by ensuring he has a successful career at Texas and beyond.

In many ways, Sarkisian’s decision to protect Arch is more than just about one player’s development—it’s about the future of the Texas program as a whole. The program has long been considered one of the giants of college football, but recent seasons have seen them struggle to regain their previous glory. A quarterback like Arch Manning is exactly what the Longhorns need to get back to competing for championships, but only if he’s brought along at the right pace.

The Six-Figure Consequences

One of the more complicated aspects of Sarkisian’s decision is the reality of the new landscape of college football. With NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals now allowing players to profit off their likeness while still in college, a star player like Arch Manning could stand to make a considerable amount of money while still in school. This has led to new dynamics, where the financial aspect of the game can sometimes influence coaching decisions.

If Sarkisian were to sit Arch for part of his freshman year or bring him along slowly, it’s possible that Manning could lose out on potential NIL deals or lose some of the spotlight that has been shining on him. The financial incentives tied to Arch’s success can’t be ignored, as the athlete’s marketability is a major factor in the modern college football world.

However, this is where the tough call comes into play. Sarkisian must resist any temptation to prioritize short-term financial gains or fan pressure over the long-term health and development of Arch Manning. The reality is that if Arch Manning is rushed into the starting role too early, it could lead to mistakes, missed opportunities, and long-term damage to both his reputation and Texas’ future.

Conclusion: Trusting the Process

Ultimately, the best thing Steve Sarkisian can do for Arch Manning is to take the long view. Protecting the young quarterback now might come with short-term consequences, whether it’s the frustration of fans or the potential loss of lucrative NIL opportunities. But making the right decision for Arch’s future could pay off tenfold down the line.

Texas Nation is understandably anxious, but the future is bright if Sarkisian makes the tough call. By ensuring that Arch is developed with care, both on and off the field, he can lead Texas back to prominence without sacrificing the future of their star quarterback. Now, more than ever, it’s important for Sarkisian to take a step back, trust the process, and remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day.

If Texas can get this decision right, the Longhorns will not only be a force in college football but could dominate the sport for years to come. Protecting Arch Manning is a tough call, but it’s the right one for the future of Texas football.