Both players arrived in Austin as top recruits. Both of their college careers began with challenges and high expectations. However, they both rallied to become emerging stars in later games, each securing an exciting victory over Michigan in bowl games—Young at the Rose Bowl in January 2005 and Manning in the perhaps-less-prestigious Citrus Bowl in December 2025. 

Young is the greatest quarterback in Longhorns’ history, a signal caller well acquainted with the rising expectations Manning will face before his second year as a college starter in 2026. Young is impressed by Manning’s demeanor. He now wants to help shepherd Manning through the spotlight ahead. 

“Arch is a kid that’s screaming and working his ass off for success,” Young told Chron on Tuesday at the 6th Annual Brothers in Arms Celebrity Golf Tournament. “He deserves everything and I’m proud of him. I’m looking forward to seeing him next week at practice, I just know that he’s a hard worker.” 

Texas will conclude its spring practices on Saturday. Young said Tuesday he plans to remain a resource to Manning well past this spring, available as a veteran peer into the summer and fall. 

“Being there [for Manning], I don’t have no choice but to do that.”

Young’s advice to Manning is one Longhorn helping another. It’s also a way for Young to pay it forward after a gift he received during his time on the 40 Acres.  

Young said Tuesday he felt “a lot of pressure” after defeating Michigan at the 2005 Rose Bowl, knowing the weight of expectations ahead for the next calendar year. Young didn’t face that pressure alone. Instead, he received a steady stream of advice from one former NFL MVP, a modern legend he shouted out Tuesday morning. 

“I leaned on Steve McNair,” Young said in tribute to the former Tennessee Titans quarterback who played his first two NFL seasons as a member of the Houston Oilers. “RIP, my guy.”

McNair was tragically shot and killed in 2009, three years after his NFL retirement.

Expectations loom large for Manning in Austin this year. So will the presence of a Longhorns legend in Young, a college champion and retired quarterback now determined to lend a hand to Manning. Young is proud of his alma mater. He’s also proud to help another member of the quarterback brotherhood, just as McNair did for him two decades ago.