Texas' new quarterback spoke about Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss.
Arch Manning Sends Clear Message on Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss Ahead of Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
After winning six of the first nine College Football Playoffs, including four straight from 2019 to 2022, the SEC has faltered a bit in recent seasons. The Big Ten has won each of the last two titles, and an SEC school has not even made the championship game since 2022.
Both the Ole Miss Rebels and Texas Longhorns will look to remedy that during the 2025 season, but both will be entering the year with a new quarterback. For Lane Kiffin and his team, Austin Simmons will replace First-Team All-SEC signal-caller Jaxson Dart.
For Steve Sarkisian and his group, they will replace Quinn Ewers with Arch Manning, one of the most coveted recruits in recent history. Manning is the grandson of Archie Manning and nephew of Eli Manning, both of whom are Ole Miss football royalty.
Ahead of his first full season as the starter, Arch Manning spoke at SEC Media Day down in Atlanta, Georgia, this week. When asked about his relationship with Ole Miss, given his family history, he spoke highly of the program, coach Kiffin, and Simmons.
"It's a little bit different now, I guess. I grew up going to games, we had a place in Oxford, and I'd spend a lot of the summer there and go to at least a game a year. Now, so, I guess not as much," Manning said. "They got a really good coach and a really good team. Spent some time with Austin (Simmons) a few weeks ago. He's a really good guy, and he's got a hell of an arm, so they're in for a good year."
Arch Manning grew up going to Ole Miss games. What’s the relationship now?
— Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) July 15, 2025
“[Simmons] has a helluva arm. They’re in for a good year.” pic.twitter.com/CoRGP4eGJC
Simmons played in nine games for the Rebels last year and completed 19 of his 32 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns. He also went 5-for-6 and led a touchdown drive against Georgia when Dart briefly went down with an injury, so hopes are high for the sophomore.
Manning had a bit more production, as he played in 10 games in a more substantial role. He completed 61 of his 90 passes for 939 yards and nine touchdowns while throwing just two interceptions. He also added 108 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
Despite his deep ties to the Rebels, Manning will be coming for blood if Texas faces off against Ole Miss this season. While they are not on each other's regular-season schedules, a matchup in the SEC Championship or College Football Playoff are both on the table.
Related: Ole Miss Football Facing Crucial Concern After Losing Jaxson Dart
Related: Lane Kiffin Makes Touching Tribute to Father at SEC Media Day
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
