Week after week, freshman quarterbacks are making waves in NCAA football, and this year, the buzz surrounds two young stars: Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola and Texas’s Arch Manning. With Heisman voters and fans watching closely, their performances have ignited discussions on whether they could be the next elite quarterbacks to redefine college football.
In a recent episode of The Carriker Chronicles, renowned Heisman voter and college football analyst Brett Ciancia praised Raiola’s play, ranking him among the top true freshman quarterbacks in the Power 5. “He’s right there with Arch Manning, Eli Holstein, and Nico [Iamaleava] from Tennessee,” Ciancia noted, adding that what Raiola has achieved so far is “unbelievable.” With Raiola leading Nebraska with 1,358 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and only three interceptions, he’s already shown that he can handle the pressure—and deliver under it. Manning, with 901 yards, nine touchdowns, and just two interceptions, is also proving he can live up to the legacy.
The stats only tell part of the story; it’s how they handle the pressure of high-stakes college football that will define their impact. Ciancia believes these young quarterbacks are not just participating; they’re stepping up, ready for the spotlight. And while both have shown resilience, a demanding journey to the Heisman stage awaits.
As the season progresses, they will be compared not just to each other but to top Heisman candidates like Miami’s Cam Ward, Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith, and Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke. Each game will shape their chances and determine if they can keep pushing boundaries or if college football’s pressure will stall them.
Who’s the Real Deal? Dylan Raiola or Arch Manning?
This season, college football fans will eagerly watch to see if Raiola or Manning can sustain the energy, deliver under pressure, and truly elevate their teams. With Heisman buzz intensifying, both quarterbacks are on the precipice of either becoming the next big names in college football or finding themselves overpowered by the game’s relentless demands. Let the season unfold!
