Bill Bradley was the Arch Manning of his day — a Parade All-American and one of the most hyped recruits Texas had ever signed. But despite his talent, he struggled to produce under Darrell Royal, who eventually turned to James Street — a decision that changed the program’s history.

Now, Arch faces similar struggles under Sarkisian, yet Sark continues to stick with him despite poor play. Is this loyalty, long-term vision, or a repeat of Royal’s early mistake before finally pivoting to Street?

 Bradley hurt a knee and gained weight. Then he could not read the triple option.

Is KJ Lacey James Street in this situation? Don’t sleep on Arch he’s tough and smart. I truly believe this will make him the best version of himself and grow into the player we know he can be. I’m inclined to believe this is more similar to Vince Young. Remember he couldn’t throw and we struggled to develop offensively in 2003 and 2004 early, but after almost losing at Kansas we didn’t lose another game when he was the starter. Realistically, it’ll continue to be a roller coaster this year since our schedule is WAY tougher than Vince’s was in 2004, but fear not Arch is not a bust. He’s a young player learning his way as a starter and as a leader. 

Is Arch going to be a hall of fame defensive back?

When it clicks for him, Arch Manning is the closest this roster has to James Street. Patience is key, he still has this year and two years of eligibility remaining. Too early to definitively say he's not the guy as he shows flashes of greatness just needs consistency, confidence and some help. 

I was young then but loved James Street.  Also a great pitcher for Texas.

Bradley was a heck of a talent but ill-suited for the offense that Royal wanted to run.

I am ill informed about the time period, but I have to imagine DKR had a much better OL (relative to the time period) to work with than Sark and Arch currently have (again relative to their time period)

Edited October 21, 2025Oct 21 by CHorn427

13 minutes ago, CHorn427 said:

I am ill informed about the time period, but I have to imagine DKR had a much better OL (relative to the time period) to work with than Sark and Arch currently have (again relative to their time period)

We were 6-4 in each of the prior three seasons before Bradley changed positions. 

So, basically the two situations are nothing alike. 

I'd love to see what QB would be successful behind this OL.  Blaming this all on Arch is just asinine. 

Bradley played a couple of yrs as starting qb before DKR turned to Street

Also, I think this has more similarity to Garret Gilbert than to Bradley

8 hours ago, DocHorn said:

Also, I think this has more similarity to Garret Gilbert than to Bradley

…and Chris Simms. Can’t imagine the chaos we’d be enduring today if anyone had seen the backup for any significant reps.