Texas QB Arch Manning Was Trending Right After CFP National Championship

Arch Manning, the highly-touted freshman quarterback for the University of Texas, has already managed to stir up plenty of excitement surrounding his potential and future with the Longhorns. Despite being a freshman and not yet having a starting role under his belt, Manning was trending on social media right after the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship game. While he wasn’t directly involved in the championship game, his name gained traction for a variety of reasons that spoke to the buzz around his legacy, his future at Texas, and the impact his presence is already having on the program.

Manning, who entered the college football world with immense expectations as the nephew of legendary quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning, has garnered attention from fans and analysts alike since committing to Texas in June 2023. Known for his strong arm, football IQ, and poise under pressure, Arch Manning has been a constant topic of conversation, not only for his connection to the Manning family but for his own burgeoning potential. Here, we’ll dive into why Arch Manning was trending immediately after the 2025 CFP National Championship, examining the factors that contribute to the hype, his path at Texas, and what the future might hold for this gifted young signal-caller.

The 2025 CFP National Championship: A Closer Look

The 2025 CFP National Championship, which saw the University of Georgia claim its third consecutive title with a dominant victory, was full of standout moments. From key player performances to coaching decisions, the game was a microcosm of everything that college football has come to represent. However, despite all the attention focused on the game’s participants, there was one name that floated above the rest: Arch Manning.

Although Manning wasn’t playing in the national championship game—having yet to earn the starting role at Texas—the implications of his future role with the Longhorns had everyone talking. His name was trending because of the conversations that centered around Texas football’s trajectory and the importance of a future quarterback who could lead them to a national title. While the 2025 championship game focused on teams like Georgia and Alabama, it was Manning’s looming arrival that was seen as one of the cornerstones to Texas’ return to relevance in college football.

The game acted as a reminder of the new wave of talent entering the college football landscape. Manning’s name being so closely associated with the Texas program, which is poised to make a bigger splash on the national stage, led many to wonder whether he could be the key to the Longhorns’ ultimate success in the coming years. The conversations about Texas football were already beginning to shift toward 2026, when Manning is expected to take over as the starting quarterback.

Arch Manning’s Arrival at Texas

Before examining why Arch Manning was trending post-National Championship, it’s important to understand the significance of his arrival in Austin. Manning, a five-star recruit and the top quarterback in the 2023 recruiting class, chose Texas over a number of other major programs, including Georgia, Alabama, and Ole Miss. His decision to attend Texas was a big one, not just because of his family’s ties to the sport but because of the way it elevated the entire program.

Texas had been in a rebuilding phase for years. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns had shown glimpses of potential but hadn’t yet reached the level expected from such a storied program. Sarkisian’s offense had been effective at times, but the Longhorns were still in search of a stable quarterback to guide them through the rough waters of the Big 12 and ultimately to national contention.

Manning’s commitment to Texas immediately brought hope to the Longhorns faithful. Known for his ability to read defenses, make pinpoint throws, and remain calm under pressure, Manning is seen as a generational talent, someone who could transform Texas into a true national powerhouse. It’s easy to understand why fans and analysts began looking ahead to his eventual starting role, projecting him to bring the program to heights it hadn’t seen in years.

The Buzz Around Arch Manning

With Arch Manning trending immediately following the 2025 CFP National Championship, it became clear that the entire college football world is waiting with bated breath for his debut. There are several key reasons why Manning’s name has been generating so much excitement, and they all stem from his immense potential, legacy, and the program he’s joining.

1. The Manning Legacy: The Manning name carries significant weight in football circles, and for good reason. Arch’s uncles, Peyton and Eli, are two of the most accomplished quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL. Peyton Manning, with two Super Bowl titles and five MVP awards, is often mentioned in the conversation for the greatest quarterback of all time. Eli Manning, while often overshadowed by his older brother, still boasts two Super Bowl victories, including a memorable upset over the Patriots in 2007. The Manning family has produced a legacy of excellence that has set an incredibly high bar for Arch. The weight of that legacy adds an immense amount of intrigue to his development at Texas, and many are eager to see if Arch can follow in their footsteps and carve out his own place in football history.
2. A New Era for Texas Football: Texas football has long been regarded as one of the sport’s blue-chip programs, but it’s been years since the Longhorns had a truly elite quarterback at the helm. The last Texas quarterback to win a national title was Vince Young, who led the Longhorns to victory in the 2005 BCS National Championship game. Since then, Texas has struggled to regain its former glory. With the acquisition of Arch Manning, however, the program seems to be entering a new era, and fans have high expectations. Many believe that Manning is the missing piece to return Texas to national prominence, and he’s already been dubbed by some as the savior of the program.
3. The Quarterback Position at Texas: Texas has been in search of a consistent and elite quarterback for some time. While players like Sam Ehlinger and Hudson Card had moments of brilliance, neither was able to elevate the program to championship-level status. Manning’s arrival brings hope that Texas may finally have the type of quarterback that can lead them through tough Big 12 competition and deep into the College Football Playoff, potentially making a run at the national title. This excitement only grew following the national championship game, as fans envisioned a future with Manning as the leader of a new-look Texas team that could contend with the likes of Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State.
4. His Potential as a Game-Changer: Arch Manning is one of the most polished quarterbacks to enter college football in years. Scouts have consistently praised his mechanics, arm strength, mobility, and football IQ. He’s a quarterback who can make every throw in the book, and his ability to read defenses and adjust his game in the pocket has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. As a freshman, Manning is still in the developmental stages, but the potential is undeniable. When he eventually takes over the reins of the Texas offense, it’s expected that he’ll bring a new level of sophistication and efficiency that the team has lacked for years. This has created an overwhelming sense of anticipation, especially following the national championship, where many began to imagine Manning’s arrival as the moment that could tilt the college football landscape.
5. A Strong Supporting Cast: Texas isn’t just getting Arch Manning. The Longhorns have been building a talented roster across the board. With standout players on both sides of the ball, including running back Bijan Robinson (before he declared for the NFL draft) and wide receiver Xavier Worthy, Manning will inherit a strong supporting cast. This gives Texas a head start in their quest for a national title once Manning steps in as the starter, further increasing expectations for his immediate impact.

Conclusion: The Future is Bright for Arch Manning and Texas

Arch Manning was trending right after the 2025 CFP National Championship for a variety of reasons, all of which point to the incredible promise that he holds for the future of Texas football. While his college career has only just begun, the weight of his name, his immense talent, and the potential for a Texas resurgence have made him one of the most closely watched figures in college football. As the Longhorns prepare to transition into a new era, Arch Manning is the focal point of what could be a championship-contending team in the near future. Whether it’s his legacy, the excitement around his development, or the hope that he will lead Texas back to glory, Arch Manning is undoubtedly a player to watch in the coming seasons.