The 2025 college football season has wrapped up, and that means it’s time for ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit to hand out his annual Herbie Awards. These awards spotlight players who’ve made a real impact in different categories.
This year, the Redemption Player of the Year award is getting a lot of buzz. It’s given to someone who’s shown big improvement or overcome tough odds. Texas quarterback Arch Manning took home this honor after weathering intense pressure and criticism, then leading his team to a solid season.
So, what made Manning stand out? And what could this mean for his future—and for the Texas Longhorns?
The Herbie Awards: A Tradition of Excellence
Every year, Kirk Herbstreit, who’s honestly one of the most trusted names in college football, highlights players who left their mark. The Herbie Awards cover everything from Offensive Player of the Year to more unique categories like Redemption Player of the Year.
This time around, the Redemption Player of the Year shortlist included Texas quarterback Arch Manning, Alabama linebacker Deonte Lawson, and Notre Dame defensive end Boubacar Traore. In the end, Herbstreit picked Manning for his impressive turnaround and leadership.
Arch Manning’s Journey
Arch Manning came into 2025 with expectations through the roof. As the latest in a family of football legends—his uncles Peyton and Eli, his grandfather Archie—the spotlight was blinding.
People were talking about Heisman runs, championships, even NFL stardom. But things didn’t start off smoothly. Manning and Texas lost two of their first five games, and the criticism was relentless.
Turning the Tide
Still, Manning didn’t let the noise get to him. He focused on getting better and helping his teammates, even when it would’ve been easy to get discouraged.
That attitude shift made a difference. Texas found its rhythm late in the season, winning six of their last seven games. They finished 9-3, not bad considering the tough schedule.
Key Performances
Manning had some huge games that showed how much he’d grown. In the final stretch, he threw for over 300 yards in three big wins—Mississippi State, Arkansas, and Vanderbilt.
He also led Texas to a 27-point game against their rival, Texas A&M, putting up two touchdowns (one in the air, one on the ground). Those moments really locked in his Redemption Player of the Year award.
Herbstreit’s Perspective
Kirk Herbstreit seemed genuinely impressed by how Manning handled the pressure. He said, When this season started, people were talking about, ‘He’s going to win the Heisman Trophy. He’s better than Payton. He’s better than Eli. He’s better than his grandpa. He’s going to win a national championship. It’ll be the first pick next year in the draft.’
The reality, though, was a lot messier than all that hype.
Resilience and Growth
Herbstreit pointed out that Manning’s ability to face harsh early-season criticism without taking it too much to heart really spoke to his character. When that didn’t pan out in the first half of the season, people were very, very critical, Herbstreit said.
To his credit, he blocked all of that out. Didn’t take any of it personally. If anything, I think it motivated him to go out and help his teammates win games. And I was really happy for him enduring that and coming out on the other side.
A Bright Future Ahead
With just under 3,000 passing yards in his first year as the full-time starter, Manning’s set himself up well. Getting through a rocky season and coming out stronger is a good sign for him and for Texas.
As he keeps developing, you have to wonder—could he be the next big thing in college football? It’s definitely possible.
Implications for Texas Longhorns
Manning’s Redemption Player of the Year win means a lot for Texas. It lifts the program’s reputation and gives everyone a boost, showing they can still compete when things get tough.
It might even help with recruiting, since it shows Texas knows how to support and develop top talent. Not a bad message to send, right?
Conclusion
Arch Manning’s journey through the 2025 season has been all about resilience and growth. He’s shown real leadership, too.
By winning the Redemption Player of the Year award, he’s proved he can handle pressure and criticism—maybe more than most people realize. Somehow, he’s managed to lead his team to success while the spotlight never really left him.
Kirk Herbstreit said it best: Manning’s ability to *block out the noise* and just play his game says a lot about his character. If you want more details about Manning’s award or the other Herbie Awards, check out the full article on Sports Illustrated.
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