Expectations for the Texas Longhorns’ offense soared the moment Arch Manning took the reins. The freshman phenom, carrying one of football’s most famous last names, has been billed as the next great quarterback to lead Texas back to national prominence. However, early signs suggest that while the talent is undeniable, there’s a glaring weakness that could derail the hype train if not addressed quickly.
The issue? Pass protection — or the lack thereof. Manning’s arm strength, poise, and accuracy are evident, but even the most gifted quarterbacks struggle when the pocket collapses before plays develop. Texas’ offensive line has shown moments of dominance, but against elite defensive fronts, the cracks have been obvious. Poor blitz pickup and inconsistent run blocking have forced Manning into rushed throws, sacks, and stalled drives.
This flaw doesn’t just impact the passing game. Without reliable protection and a strong run push, Texas struggles to establish balance on offense. Opposing defenses can tee off on Manning, blitz more aggressively, and drop extra defenders into coverage, knowing the Longhorns can’t consistently punish them with a ground attack. That predictability is a death sentence against top-tier competition in the Big 12 and beyond.
It’s not all doom and gloom — these problems are fixable. Improved communication along the line, adjustments in play-calling, and quicker developing routes can help mask weaknesses while the unit gels. But the clock is ticking. Manning’s development and Texas’ hopes for a playoff run hinge on protecting their young star and giving him the time to make magic happen.
For now, the message to Longhorn Nation is clear: pump the brakes. Arch Manning might be the future, but unless Texas shores up its biggest offensive flaw, that future could take longer to arrive than many fans
expect.
