Skip to main content
Texas

Bold Prediction for Texas’ Rising Star: Joel Klatt Ranks Arch Manning as the #2 QB for 2025

by:Evan Vieth•05/19/25
Arch Manning
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Joel Klatt, a former University of Colorado quarterback and current CFB commentator and analyst, released his list of the Top 10 quarterbacks for the 2025 season. While not securing the top spot on the list, Klatt’s ranking of Texas quarterback Arch Manning at second place has sparked a flurry of discussion and critique surrounding the young QB and his potential for the upcoming season.

Klatt has been known for his out-of-the-box takes at times, most recently ranking Penn State as his No. 1 team for 2025, but this claim aligns with his sentiments toward the Texas Longhorns heading into this year’s CFB season.

Klatt had this to say about Manning, whom he ranked just behind Clemson’s Cade Klubnik and just ahead of Oklahoma’s John Mateer:

“I’ve got to do it because I believe in him. I believe in his coach. I think that this program is one of the three best programs in college football right now,” Klatt said. “It’s time for Arch Manning.”

Klatt continued his segment by highlighting the dynamic attributes Manning brings to the field. Manning is 6’4″, 225 pounds, with the ability to move and a stronger arm than former Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers.

“There’s a difference to the offense when Manning went in than when Quinn Ewers went in,” Klatt said. “The reason is because Arch puts more players in conflict on the field than what Ewers did… Arch puts edge defenders in conflict because he can run, and that was something last year that I don’t think anybody realized—how athletic he is on the outside.”

Klatt later emphasized Manning’s ability to manipulate safeties because of his accuracy and arm strength down the field. Safeties can cheat up in the box to counter his athleticism, but doing so will allow Manning to take the top off the defense with his arm talent and knack for throwing the deep ball.

One point echoed throughout Klatt’s statement: don’t we trust Steve Sarkisian at this point? Klatt mentioned multiple times that Manning’s upside is directly tied to being placed in an offense that allows quarterbacks to succeed. Sarkisian is likely the best offensive play-caller among the coaches of the QBs in the top five, which includes Clemson’s Garrett Riley and new Oklahoma OC Ben Arbuckle.

Klatt concluded his statement by making one final comparison for Manning: former Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence. As a freshman, Lawrence led the Tigers to an undefeated national championship, and two years later, he was the first player taken in the 2021 NFL Draft. Those are steep expectations for Manning, but the comparison holds merit.

Both are large, athletic quarterbacks with the ability to run defenses out of the building and a big-time arm. Lawrence threw to the likes of Justyn Ross and Tee Higgins during his college career. How close can Ryan Wingo and DeAndre Moore come to that level of production?

Manning is already one of the biggest names in the sport, and the hype he’s receiving after just two starts last season may feel unwarranted. However, those closely following Texas’ camp know just how special this kid can be. If Manning isn’t a top quarterback in 2025, it would be a disappointment in the eyes of many Longhorn fans.

You may also like