Analyst Highlights Arch Manning's Hypothetical First-Half Struggles Against UTEP, Citing FCS Comparison

A recent social media post by prominent college football analyst Shehan Jeyarajah on September 14, 2025, sparked discussion by outlining a hypothetical first-half performance from Texas quarterback Arch Manning against UTEP. Jeyarajah's tweet detailed Manning completing just 5 of 16 passes for 69 yards and an interception in the initial half of the imagined contest. The speculative stat line quickly drew attention given Manning's highly anticipated career.

"Texas quarterback Arch Manning completed 5-16 passes for 69 yards and an interception in the first half against UTEP," Jeyarajah stated in the tweet. "One week ago, FCS UT-Martin was 9-13 for 139 yards in the first half against UTEP."

This hypothetical performance stands in stark contrast to the immense expectations placed upon Arch Manning since his arrival at the University of Texas. As one of the most highly-touted quarterback recruits in recent memory, Manning has been under intense scrutiny, with fans and analysts closely monitoring his development and anticipated impact on the Longhorns' program. His actual collegiate career to date has seen limited action, primarily in relief roles, building anticipation for his potential starting opportunities.

The comparison drawn by Jeyarajah to FCS program UT-Martin further amplifies the significance of the hypothetical struggles. UT-Martin's hypothetical first-half statistics against UTEP—9 completions on 13 attempts for 139 yards—suggest a more efficient and productive outing than Manning's projected numbers. This stark contrast underscores the potential concerns such a performance would raise for a Power Five starting quarterback facing a Group of Five opponent like UTEP.

UTEP, while a Division I FBS program, typically operates outside the top tiers of college football and often serves as an early-season opponent for Power Five teams. A dominant performance is generally expected from a program like Texas against the Miners. Jeyarajah's hypothetical scenario highlights the pressure on Manning to perform at a high level, especially against opponents where Texas is heavily favored.

Shehan Jeyarajah, a well-regarded college football writer often associated with CBS Sports, is known for his insightful analysis and commentary on the sport. His observations, even when speculative, often reflect broader discussions and expectations within the college football landscape. The tweet serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the intense scrutiny and high bar set for young, highly-rated quarterbacks.