Former LSU head coach Ed Orgeron has resurfaced in the college football conversation with bold praise for Texas quarterback Arch Manning.
The 64-year-old, who guided the Tigers to the 2019 National Championship behind Joe Burrow’s historic season, believes the Longhorns’ new starter has the potential to make an immediate impact and even rival the legacy of Burrow.
Orgeron drew a direct comparison between Manning and his former Heisman-winning quarterback. “Arch is as close to, or maybe as good as, Joe [Burrow] as I’ve seen. And I’ve never said that about anybody,” Orgeron told Barstool Sports’ Pardon My Take.
The comparison is striking given Burrow’s dominance six years ago when he threw for 5,671 yards and 60 touchdowns while leading LSU to an undefeated national title run.
Manning is trying to live up to his last name and enters the season with lofty expectations in Austin. Now the face of the Longhorns’ offense, his accuracy and talent has fueled speculation that he could elevate Texas into being a consistent College Football Playoff contender.
Orgeron’s endorsement of Manning with a player who shattered records and became the first overall pick in the NFL Draft speaks volumes. While there has always been hype around him because of his football family, Arch is trying to stand alone in his journey.
Outside of the comparison, Orgeron hinted that his own journey may not be finished. After being away from coaching over the past four years, he admitted he’s feeling the “itch” to return.
“It’s been four years since I’ve been out. I’m getting the itch again,” Orgeron said.
Despite his exit following consecutive losing seasons, he left Baton Rouge with no regrets, proud of the standard he set.
For Texas fans, Manning could usher in a golden era of his own in burnt orange.
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