After an early portion of the summer was seemingly dedicated to ruffling feathers within his own state of Texas, along with touching on the intricate courses of 'basketweaving' at Ole Miss, the attention finally turned to the lofty expectations that await the Longhorns this season.Lane Kiffin goes off script: Hulk Hogan, Ole Miss and social media dominate SEC Media DaysThis time last year, the conversation centered around the unrealistic preseason hype around his quarterback"Arch Manning a year ago wasn’t on social media or television saying he was going to win the Heisman Trophy, or be the first pick in the draft," Steve Sarkisian said about the hype last year around Arch."What he got put through would’ve melted 99% of the people in his shoes.."What he got put through would’ve ruined 95% of the people in his shoes."Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian walks into Camping World Stadium ahead of the Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines in Orlando, Fla., on Dec.
31, 2025.(aAustin American-Statesman via Getty Images)Some decided to put him in the Heisman Trophy conversation before he had actually taken meaningful snaps for the Longhorns, while others (hey there) kept the expectations at a reasonable position.Even Arch was the one who had to remind reporters last year in Atlanta that he had not accomplished anything at Texas worthy enough to have him on the constant preseason awards watch list.But now, after a second half progression last season for the Longhorns, Manning is worthy enough to be labeled a Heisman Trophy contender.
It also helps that Steve Sarkisian loaded up in the transfer portal with talent to surround his quarterback on the offensive side of the ball, led by wide receiver Cam Coleman."Manning is a lot more confident," Sarkisian said about Arch."I think last season, he found out a lot about himself.
Any time we're face with adversity, and we got on the other side of it, you gain confidence.I think that you see a different leader i...