Arch Manning Wins 2025 Heisman Trophy, Becomes First Longhorn Since Ricky Williams to Take Home the Honor
NEW YORK CITY – Under the bright lights of Lincoln Center and the watchful gaze of football legends past, Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning etched his name into college football history, winning the 2025 Heisman Trophy.
In a tightly contested race that included LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, and Ohio State’s breakout freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, it was Manning—grandson of Archie, nephew to Peyton and Eli—who stood tallest, becoming the first Texas player since Ricky Williams in 1998 to claim college football’s most prestigious individual award.
“This means everything,” said a beaming Manning, moments after being announced as the winner. “Not just for me, but for my teammates, coaches, and everyone back in Austin. We’ve worked so hard to get to this point, and I’m just honored to represent the burnt orange tonight.”
A Historic Campaign in Austin
Arch Manning’s junior season in Austin was nothing short of spectacular. After two years of development behind the scenes and flashes of brilliance in backup duty, the former No. 1 overall recruit delivered on the sky-high expectations in 2025, guiding Texas to a 12–1 record and a College Football Playoff berth.
Manning finished the regular season with 4,132 passing yards, 39 touchdown passes, and only 6 interceptions. He added another 6 scores on the ground, demonstrating a level of mobility and playmaking ability that elevated his game to a new level. Under his leadership, the Longhorns offense ranked in the top five nationally in scoring and total yards.
More impressively, Manning seemed to rise in the biggest moments. In a late-season showdown against then-undefeated Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry, he threw for 412 yards and 5 touchdowns, leading the Horns to a 45–38 thriller that cemented his status as the Heisman frontrunner.
Beating a Star-Studded Finalist Class
The 2025 Heisman race was one of the closest and most competitive in recent memory. LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier threw for 4,480 yards and 38 touchdowns, keeping the Tigers in the SEC Championship hunt all season. Clemson’s Cade Klubnik led the Tigers to their first ACC title in four years, throwing for 3,750 yards and 34 scores while operating one of the nation’s most balanced offenses.
Perhaps the most unique finalist was Ohio State freshman wideout Jeremiah Smith, whose 1,532 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns captivated fans across the country. Smith was the first freshman wide receiver finalist since Alabama’s Amari Cooper in 2014 and is widely seen as a future star.
Still, the voters overwhelmingly backed Manning, awarding him 74% of first-place votes. His leadership, statistical production, and the Longhorns’ success on the national stage made the difference.
“He’s not just the name,” said one Heisman voter. “He’s the real deal. He’s earned this.”
Living Up to the Legacy
For Arch Manning, the award is more than personal validation—it’s a continuation of a family legacy in football, and perhaps, a turning point in the Manning narrative. While his grandfather Archie never won a national championship or Heisman during his Ole Miss days, and both Peyton and Eli narrowly missed the award during their storied college careers, Arch finally brought a Heisman Trophy home to the family.
“I know how much this means to my family,” Arch said. “I’ve grown up hearing about the Heisman, watching it, and dreaming about it. To finally be up here, it’s surreal.”
His uncle Peyton was in attendance, visibly emotional as his nephew took the stage. “He’s always had the talent,” Peyton said. “But what makes me proud is how he’s handled the pressure and stayed true to himself.”
Bright Future for Texas
Manning’s win also marks a new era for Texas football. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns
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