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Expectations are high, to say the least, for the Texas Longhorns in 2025. Following an appearance in last season's College Football Playoff Semifinals, head coach Steve Sarkisian has the program in a great place. Many are expecting them to take the next step, too, thanks to Arch Manning stepping in as the team's starting quarterback in place of Quinn Ewers.
Just about everyone is gearing up for a Heisman Trophy type of season from Manning. We haven't seen the 20-year-old be the starter for an extended period of time, though, so there is still a level of uncertainty about how the quarterback will respond. Thankfully, he's in the right environment to succeed. Much of that is thanks to Sarkisian, a sentiment that was echoed wholeheartedly by one of his former NFL players: Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback and 2016 NFL MVP Matt Ryan.
Matt Ryan loves Steve Sarkisian and has high hopes for Arch Manning
Ryan was interviewed recently by CBS Austin Sports Director Bob Ballou, and he gave a glowing review of Sarkisian.
"I love Sark... he's done a tremendous job at Texas. They were a sleeping giant. This historical program that had kind of been through the doldrums and has come back. [He's] really put them back on the map. I believe he's the guy to bring a national championship to UT."
Ryan was then asked about the very high expectations that have been bestowed upon Manning. The reporter asked Ryan how he himself would manage those expectations, considering he was once one of the top quarterback prospects in the nation while at Boston College.
"I think he's got some good mentors, in his uncles and his dad and his grandfather. I think that family has done an incredible job of keeping their focus on (Manning going out there and playing well). I think that's what Arch will do. He seems like a mature young man and a guy that has his head on right. I know Sark will do his part."
Ryan believes having Sarkisian guiding Manning will be crucial for the quarterback's development. Sarkisian has worked with plenty of talented quarterbacks throughout his coaching career.
Although Ryan and the Falcons took a step back in Sarkisian's first season as offensive coordinator, they rebounded in a major way in 2018. Ryan threw for nearly 5,000 yards and 35 touchdowns. It wasn't enough to save Sarkisian's job, but he clearly left a strong mark on Ryan.