Week 4 of the 2025 College Football season is set to be a pivotal moment for several high-profile quarterbacks, notably Texas’ Arch Manning and Florida’s DJ Lagway. Both are facing immense pressure to perform after disappointing starts, and this week presents opportunities for redemption.
Arch Manning: The Pressure Mounts
Arch Manning, the highly-touted freshman quarterback for Texas, is struggling to meet the sky-high expectations set for him. After an uneven start to the season, including a lackluster performance against UTEP where he completed just 11 of 25 passes for 114 yards, Manning is seeking to find his rhythm. His completion rate of 55.3% currently ranks him 124th nationally among quarterbacks, and his average time to throw at 3.28 seconds indicates a lack of decisiveness and accuracy. Against a subpar Sam Houston defense this week, Manning must improve significantly to alleviate the growing concerns surrounding his transition to college football.
If Manning fails to step up this week, he risks further scrutiny as Texas continues to aim for a spot in the College Football Playoff picture. A big win against Sam Houston is not only crucial for Manning’s development but also for the Longhorns’ aspirations this season.
DJ Lagway: A Chance for Redemption
Meanwhile, DJ Lagway of Florida is also in dire need of a turnaround. After throwing five interceptions in a costly loss to LSU, his performance has brought Florida’s offensive struggles to the forefront. The Gators’ offense has only managed to score 26 points combined in two FBS games this season. They will face a tough challenge against No. 4 Miami, whose defense, while struggling to contain opponents, ranks 83rd in yards allowed per dropback. Lagway needs to establish a stronger connection with his receivers and develop his ability to read defenses effectively. This game represents a key opportunity for Lagway to demonstrate his capability and potentially steer the Gators back on track.
Big Ten and SEC Showdowns
Apart from the Manning and Lagway intrigue, several notable matchups are on the docket. The Illinois vs. Indiana game isn’t one fans would typically circle, but both teams have found their stride with strong performances. A battle of ranked teams, this clash may have significant bowl implications later in the season.
In the SEC, Auburn travels to Oklahoma for what has been dubbed an "elimination" game, where both teams fight not just for positioning but possibly to keep their postseason hopes alive. With Oklahoma’s fast-paced offense and Auburn’s formidable run game, the stage is set for an exciting clash.
Group of Five Spotlight
Week 4 also provides intriguing storylines in the Group of 5 conferences, where both Memphis and Tulane look to establish themselves as serious contenders for the coveted College Football Playoff spot awarded to a G5 team. Memphis faces off against Arkansas, which has looked explosive but can be shaky defensively, creating a potential narrative for an upset.
Similarly, Tulane’s matchup against Ole Miss will test their resilience. The Green Wave will have to neutralize a high-scoring Ole Miss offense, which has shown weaknesses but remains formidable when firing on all cylinders.
Other Key Matchups
- Texas Tech vs. Utah: This contest marks a significant early-season Big 12 clash, as both teams have exceeded expectations through the initial weeks.
- South Carolina at Missouri: Missouri has emerged as an unexpected power early in the season, and South Carolina needs a win to avoid a disastrous start.
Conclusion
As College Football enters Week 4, many narratives converge around a handful of quarterbacks under pressure. For Arch Manning and DJ Lagway, the chance to right their respective ships could dictate their trajectories, as well as the outcomes for their teams in a season still replete with potential chaos. It’s shaping up to be an exciting weekend of football, with implications that might resonate well beyond this week.
