Skip to main content

Author: Russell Dowden

Arch Manning Time in Austin

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in TEXAS SPORTS.

Arch Manning: It’s Finally His Time in Austin

Texas Longhorns fans have been waiting—and the wait is over. Arch Manning, the
redshirt‑sophomore and scion of football royalty, will step into the full‑time starting
quarterback role for the 2025 season. After spot starts and flashes of brilliance behind
Quinn Ewers, this is Manning’s moment to command the offense.

A Rise in the Spotlight

Manning made headlines last fall, stepping in for an injured Ewers in Week 4
against Louisiana–Monroe. He completed 15 of 29 passes for 258 yards, throwing two
touchdowns—despite two interceptions— and helped lead Texas to a commanding
51–3 victory. His deep-ball prowess impressed, connecting on several long gainers and
showing a glimpse of his high ceiling.

That debut performance sparked a surge in Longhorn jerseys—No. 16 sold out
across campus—signaling newfound excitement for Manning’s potential.

Photos: Pat Carrigan

Coaching Confidence & Team Energy

Head coach Steve Sarkisian has expressed strong support for Manning, urging
both Manning and the fanbase to enjoy this transition. “Let’s let this guy go play
this year…it’s finally his time,” Sarkisian said, emphasizing the importance of letting
Manning grow in this role.

Former starter Quinn Ewers has also chimed in, acknowledging the change:
“It’s Arch Manning time at Texas… the team can’t keep the former mega‑recruit on the bench,” noted Ewers on Reddit.

Living Up to the Manning Legacy

As the nephew of Peyton and Eli and grandson of Archie Manning, Arch carries a storied name.
Still, he’s working to establish his own identity in Austin—not merely riding the family brand.
He’s committed to Texas, dismissing talk of transferring and making it clear, “Nowhere else I want to be.”

Manning also reportedly passed up the chance to enter the NFL Draft after his junior year.
Sources indicate he’s aiming to stay through the 2027 draft cycle, opting to fully develop before turning pro.

SEC’s ‘New Top QB’
With Arch Manning now leading the Longhorns, preseason observers have taken note.
Texas enters 2025 ranked atop early SEC forecasts—specifically backed by analysts citing
Manning’s talent and Sarkisian’s offensive system.
youtube.com+12espn.com+12athlonsports.com+12

The excitement is real: campus atmosphere, growing jersey sales, and a coaching staff ready to
hand him the reigns—all signs that this could be the dawn of a Manning-era revival in Austin.

Drone Technology Takes Flight at Texas Football Games

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in TEXAS SPORTS.

 

How the Longhorns are embracing the future of stadium entertainment and security

Drone technology is no longer reserved for military operations or hobbyist pilots — it’s now part of the game day experience at the University of Texas.

As Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium welcomes the Longhorn faithful each fall Saturday, drones are increasingly playing a role in entertainment, safety, and stadium operations.

The skies over Austin are alive with innovation.

Drones in the Spotlight: A New Era of Game Day Shows

In recent seasons, Texas has begun experimenting with choreographed drone light shows, adding a dazzling layer to the fan experience. Many fans are amazed by the light show and the movement these drones display. These shows, featuring hundreds of drones offer a flying operation that is synchronized with patterns that, display:

  • Longhorn logos
  • Burnt Orange slogans (“HOOK ‘EM,” “TEXAS FIGHT”)
  • Tributes to players and veteransInteractive crowd moments synced with music

The drone shows typically occur:  During pre-game festivities • Halftime •  Post-game celebrations (especially after marquee wins)

Fans describe the shows as “jaw-dropping,” comparing them to fireworks 2.0 — but quieter, more environmentally friendly, and infinitely programmable.

Behind the Scenes: How It Works

The university partners with FAA-certified drone operators who:

  1. Pre-program flight paths and images
  2. Conduct multiple test flights in secure airspace
  3. Coordinate with Austin air traffic control and the FAA for event clearance
  4. Integrate the show with the stadium’s video and audio systems

For big games — especially SEC rivalry matchups — Texas is expanding the scope of these shows to rival the best in college football.

Safety & Security Enhancements

Beyond entertainment, drones are now part of stadium security:

  • Perimeter surveillance: Stadium security teams use drones to monitor parking lots and surrounding areas during games.
  • Crowd monitoring: High-resolution drone footage helps officials manage crowd flow, spot potential hazards, and assist in emergency response situations.
  • Unauthorized drone defense: The university employs drone detection systems to identify and neutralize unauthorized UAVs that may pose a security threat.

“We’re using drones not just for fan experience, but to make sure our fans are safe,” says a UT athletic department official.

Challenges & Regulations

Operating drones at a major event is complex:

  • FAA waivers are required to fly over people
  • Weather conditions — especially high winds — can force last-minute show cancellations
  • Drone batteries limit flight duration, requiring precise choreography
  • Airspace around the stadium must be cleared of unauthorized drones — a growing challenge given the popularity of personal UAVs

UT’s drone partners must also coordinate with:

  • Austin police• Texas Department of Public Safety
  • FAA regional offices

The Future: More Drones, More Magic

Looking ahead, Texas is planning to:

  • Expand drone light shows for more games — especially night games
  • Integrate live drone video feeds into stadium screens and Longhorn Network broadcasts
  • Enhance player intros and recruiting events with custom drone displays
  • Collaborate with aerospace engineering students to innovate new applications

UT is also exploring drone-based delivery of select concessions and merchandise during controlled pre-game events — an idea being tested by several NFL teams.

Longhorns’ CFP Ambitions: Arch Manning and the SEC Challenge

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in UT FOOTBALL.

Texas enters the 2025 season with major momentum—and sky-high expectations.

 Why expectations are so high

  • Preseason favorite in the SEC: Media and predictive models rank Texas atop the SEC, thanks largely to Arch Manning stepping into the spotlight. ESPN’s Football Power Index gives them an 83.9% chance to reach the College Football Playoff—a full point above Georgia—alongside a 22.2% chance at a national title

  • Analyst confidence: Paul Finebaum recently emphasized that with Manning leading, Texas isn’t just playoff-caliber—they’re championship-caliber. He suggested Manning “may have even beaten Ohio State” if he’d started the Cotton Bowl.

Arch Manning’s readiness

  • Skillset and coaches’ optimism: Head coach Steve Sarkisian is tailoring the offense to Manning’s strengths—particularly a deep-ball focus that fits his game.  CBS Sports pegged Manning as the No. 2 QB in the SEC (behind Georgia’s Gunner Stockton) in preseason rankings.

  • Growth and handling the pressure: Analysts from SI to Athlon note the need for Manning’s consistent month-to-month progress, balancing lofty expectations with manageable development.

A brutal road ahead

  • Toughest schedule in America: ESPN FPI ranks Texas’s 2025 slate as the 4th-hardest nationally. That brutal lineup includes marquee road games at Ohio State and Georgia, plus tough matchups at Florida, Oklahoma (Red River Rivalry), and Texas A&M

  • SEC tests loom large: SEC media polls place Texas at No. 1, just ahead of Georgia and Alabama. Odds-wise, Texas sits at +270 to win the SEC—slightly favored over Georgia (+400) and Alabama (+500) .

Playoff window: wide open, but thin

  • Experience meets fresh talent: Texas returns 12 starters and brings in key transfers (like LB Brad Spence), blending seasoned depth with fresh talent.

  • CFP expansion context: With the playoff expanding, Sarkisian warns that even two- or three-loss teams may sneak in—making near-perfection less mandatory, but top-tier consistency still essential.

Arch Manning’s debut season as Texas’s starting QB in the SEC carries immense hype—and justified optimism. With Texas leading the SEC in projections, a title favorite in national models, and buoyed by expert praise, the Longhorns are positioned to make a deep playoff push. Yet that lofty trajectory hinges on navigating a brutally tough schedule and sustaining balance amid mounting expectations. If Manning lives up to the hype and Sarkisian’s SURGE offense clicks, Texas looks poised to challenge for both an SEC title and a CFP return.