Being a college quarterback is often described as a uniquely American job, a role that demands a complex mix of athletic prowess, mental resilience, and a thick skin. For those at the highest level of the sport, the position requires the ability to handle both adulation and intense criticism, often shifting from one to the other depending on a single game’s outcome. Ohio State signal-caller Julian Sayin, during the Buckeyes’ Big Ten media day, noted that people are quick to praise players after a win but equally fast to offer harsh words after a loss. He added that even in victory, quarterbacks are not entirely immune to public scrutiny. Where simple exchanges have hidden messages – or worse, landmines to avoid – and to speak is to risk having your every word parsed, this is what it is to be a college quarterback.
The pressure is particularly palpable for top-tier prospects like Arch Manning and Julian Sayin. The two are set to face off in a top-5 rematch this weekend, revisiting a narrative from 2025 when the Buckeyes defeated the Longhorns 14-7. Following that game, Manning faced significant criticism, while Sayin was highlighted as a rising star. Reflecting on the intense public microscope, Manning’s coach, Steve Sarkisian, noted that the scrutiny Manning has endured would have overwhelmed many others, yet the quarterback has remained focused on controlling only what he can. According to the Longhorns quarterback, He’d been hitting the links regularly on the weekends, tagging along most recently with a buddy who was a member at Barton Creek Country Club to play the Ben Crenshaw-designed course in Austin. The driver, Manning said, had been working particularly well, so well that the 10-handicap golfer had just broke 80 for the first time. Manning looked quizzically at him. “Whenever the season ends,” Manning replied, to which the reporter responded, “The season ends at the end of January.”.
Seth Wickersham, author of the book American Kings, characterizes the position as one that requires wearing many different hats—ranging from amateur psychologist to spokesperson. He suggests that while some quarterbacks possess natural, innate talent, others are forged through years of dedicated training and development. This dominant mindset is often observed in the best players, who display a brash confidence that allows them to excel in a high-pressure environment. For many of these athletes, the dream of playing this role starts in childhood, making the reality of the position a pursuit they are willing to chase despite the risks.
The current landscape of college football, influenced by the availability of NIL funding, has created an especially deep pool of talent. Among the top 20 players ranked by BetMGM for the Heisman Trophy, quarterbacks occupy all but two spots, with wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Malachi Toney being the exceptions. Each player arrives at this stage through a different path; Trinidad Chambliss, for example, transitioned from Division II Ferris State to Ole Miss, illustrating the variety of routes to major college football.
For players like Oklahoma starter John Mateer, the job involves finding inspiration in legends like Terry Bradshaw. Though Mateer was born long after Bradshaw retired, he studies the veteran’s style to add old-school elements to his own game. In his recent season opener against UTEP, Mateer showcased this preparation by throwing for 225 yards and three touchdowns, building on a season where he experienced both highs and lows, including a 2-2 record in October.
Managing the fame associated with the role is an additional challenge. Arch Manning, for instance, frequently navigates daily life by staying in contact with his mother, Ellen, while moving between classes to avoid unwanted attention. Yet, when asked about life outside of football, Manning struggles to imagine an existence without the sport. It remains a lifestyle characterized by constant evaluation, where even casual conversations—like discussing golf scores at media day—become part of the public narrative surrounding their performance and mental state. Less than a week before the Longhorns would head into full preseason workouts, and Manning admitted that his golf days were numbered, this was back in July. “I’m going to have to stop here in a week or so until about February,” he said.
