OXFORD — Ole Miss football coach Pete Golding strongly disagrees with a narrative gaining steam about Texas quarterback Arch Manning.
"I think some people have shown him some different looks and taken away some first reads and been able to apply some pressure and all that," Golding said Oct. 19. "But the conception that he's not an elite player right now is crazy to me."
No. 7 Ole Miss (5-1, 3-1 SEC) will play at No. 18 Texas (4-2, 1-2) on Oct. 24 (6:30 p.m., ABC). Manning is the grandson of Archie Manning and the nephew of Eli Manning, two great Ole Miss quarterbacks.
Manning, the Longhorns' senior quarterback, has had an up-and-down, turnover-plagued season. Texas is coming off consecutive losses to Oklahoma and Florida.
He entered the season projected as the potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. Texas beat Ohio State, then the No. 1 team in the nation, in Week 2 and climbed to No. 1 in the polls.
Manning has 1,295 passing yards and 11 touchdowns, but also five interceptions. He lost a costly fumble in the fourth quarter against Florida, which was his third fourth-quarter turnover in his last two games.
Golding said he's seen Manning make some mistakes on film, but also enough highlight plays that, when isolated, can make a strong case that he's one of the best quarterbacks in the nation.
"I'll get you a 25-play cut-up and he should be the top pick in the draft," Golding said.
What Pete Golding said about Texas potentially benching Arch Manning
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said after the 27-24 loss to Florida that “everything is going to be evaluated,” including the starting quarterback position.
KJ Lacey, a sophomore and former four-star recruit, is Manning's backup. Sarkisian said Oct. 19 that Manning remains Texas' starter. ESPN reported that Lacey will get an uptick in first-team reps.
Golding said the overall look of Texas' offense would remain familiar if there is a switch.
"Sark runs his system, and it's been really effective wherever he's been," Golding said. "I think regardless who is at quarterback, that's not going to change much. Obviously there's packages and short yardage and field positions where you've got to be aware of certain things he's done in the past."
Pete Golding explains Arch Manning's struggles
Golding was adamant in defending Manning. What did he see in film study causing the trouble?
"What's unique about this year to me, when you watch them on tape, they've had a lot of bad luck," Golding said. "Hitting guys in stride, hitting guys in the chest and the ball bounces off, get a pick. All those type of things. Somehow it's been lost that they beat the No. 1 team in the country and they were the No. 1 team in the country ... Arch is still an elite player. They've got elite skill and a really good coach."
The game will be the first time Manning plays against Ole Miss. The Rebels' defense struggled mightily early in the season but has been much improved over the last two games.
Ole Miss held Vanderbilt to 17 points in Week 6, and Missouri to three points in Week 7. Golding isn't overlooking Manning in any phase of the game as the defense finds its stride.
"He's got all the arm talent in the world," Golding said. "He's a size, speed guy. Much more athletic than you think. Still has the ability to extend plays and the guy has won at a high level."
Sam Hutchens covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at Shutchens@gannett.com or reach him on X at @Sam_Hutchens_
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Why Pete Golding said benching Arch Manning talk is misguided before Ole Miss vs Texas