Garrett Nussmeier’s LSU Stance Triggers Tough Analyst Verdict on Arch Manning Over Old Concern

Heading into the 2025 season, keep a close watch on the quarterback room. We’ve already seen enough to know things are about to get intense. With Carson Beck returning to college yet not returning to Georgia, with Garrett Nussmeier and Arch Manning staying loyal to their respective teams, and with Nico Iamaleava’s controversial transfer move, the expectations are going to be off the charts. While Nussmeier remained patient waiting for his turn in Brian Kelly’s squad, Manning has yet to prove himself on the gridiron now that Quinn Ewers is gone. While the Texas Longhorns quarterback has already gained the spotlight from an NFL giant, analysts still are not convinced about his future in Steve Sarkisian’s squad.   

Texas Longhorns star Manning is the only quarterback from the 2023 class who has not transferred. Now, that’s indeed a big flex. And the hype keeps on rising for the latest flagbearer of the Manning legacy. Before the 2025 season kicks off, On3’s Thomas Goldkamp put Manning at No. 10 in the On3 College Football Impact Rankings. After that, analyst Lance Taylor entered the chat with his 2025 Quarterback Rankings for the SEC. He ranked the quarterbacks as follows: LaNorris Sellers took the top spot at number one, John Mateer was placed second, Garrett Nussmeier came in third, and Arch Manning was ranked fourth. Obviously, this did not sit well with most of the college football fans.

On the May 19th episode of The Next Round podcast, Taylor addressed the resistance. “I had Arch Manning at number four. People were pi- – – – off about that like how do you…they thought he was too low. I haven’t seen like a full sample size…my whole point is I liked Quinn Ewers. But if Arch was that good, he would have been starting last year.” He then asked for the opinion of his guest of the evening, Tom Luginbill. That’s when the Nusmmeier comparison came into play.

Luginbill fully supports Taylor’s viewpoint: “But in fairness he hasn’t played as the guy every single snap, game in game out, and we need to see that happen, and I think that’s fair, and it’s not a knock on the kid. Like when you make that ranking, you’re not saying, ‘Oh I don’t think he’s any good.’ No you’re saying, ‘Let’s step back and watch this thing unfold.’ I think that’s fair right. It’s no different than when Garrett Nussmeier was backing up Jayden Daniels. I loved Garrett Nussmeier coming out of high school.”

In just 1 season as a starter, Nussmeier ranks among LSU’s Top 10 in several career passing categories—No. 5 in TD passes (40), No. 7 in attempts (744), completions (466), and so on.

No doubt, trusting Manning is a bit too hard. When it comes to patience, the Texas quarterback proved himself by waiting behind Ewers. However, the 2025 season will be his test to prosper as a full-time starter. “You say that, and he hasn’t played so you’re banking on something you really don’t know yet, and that’s fine. Let it materialize.” If not college football, Manning has already punched his ticket and found a reservation on the NFL hype train. 

Arch Manning’s homecoming is drawing near in the NFL

While Manning hasn’t had many chances to show what he can do, he has already been touted as a Heisman Trophy candidate. The college football analysts are asking themselves to be patient and wait to witness what Manning brings to the table. An NFL team might be the early favorites to land him.

That’s none other than Kellen Moore’s New Orleans Saints. While it’s Moore’s debut season, he is already facing a big roadblock in the quarterback room. Thanks to their quarterback, Derek Carr, who was believed to miss out on the entire 2025 season because of his shoulder injury. And finally, the Saints got clarity as Carr announced his retirement from the NFL after 11 seasons, leaving the Saints in a pickle.

Now that the position is vacant, second-round picks like Tyler Shough, Jake Haener, and Spencer Rattler are running the race to grab the QB1 role. Unfortunately, none of them looks like a long-term prospect, leaving Moore to count on the 21-year-old Texas quarterback. 

USA Today’s Nate Davis also hinted at the chance. “Now, just imagine if they secure the No. 1 pick in 2026, Arch Manning has the type of season in Austin everyone seems to expect and has the option to go home to his native New Orleans and revive the team his grandfather, Archie Manning, played so bravely but futilely for in the 1970s.” After all, Arch Manning’s family has a soft corner for Louisiana, which has been their home for more than 50 years. Arch Manning’s grandfather, Archie Manning, earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and was later honored with induction into both the Saints Ring of Honor and the team’s Hall of Fame.

However, let’s not overlook the Saints’ Offensive Coordinator, Doug Nussmeier. It appears Garrett Nussmeier has some strong Louisiana ties as well. Adding another layer, Garrett Nussmeier and Arch Manning are frequently pitted against each other in early mock drafts and Heisman predictions. Of course, it’s still very early days, but fingers crossed, Arch Manning’s college journey doesn’t give NFL teams any pause.

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