College Football Talked About Arch Manning After Texas-Oklahoma

The Texas-Oklahoma rivalry, often referred to as the “Red River Rivalry,” is one of the most storied matchups in college football, filled with drama, passion, and moments that shape seasons. In 2024, the game was no different, as the Texas Longhorns took on the Oklahoma Sooners in a game that would have ramifications not only for the Big 12 standings but also for the future of the Texas football program. But in the aftermath of the intense battle, one name was being whispered across the college football world more than any other: Arch Manning.

Manning, the highly-anticipated freshman quarterback who had entered Texas with immense expectations, had yet to start a game as the Longhorns’ quarterback. But his presence in the aftermath of the Texas-Oklahoma game, coupled with his potential as the future of Texas football, made him the talk of the college football world. While the Longhorns’ victory over Oklahoma was the result of a total team effort, it was Manning’s role, both on and off the field, that captured the attention of fans, analysts, and football insiders alike.

This game would not only mark a key chapter in Texas’ rivalry history but would also see Arch Manning’s name become synonymous with anticipation, speculation, and excitement regarding the future of the Longhorns’ quarterback position.

The Stage: Texas-Oklahoma Rivalry

To understand the gravity of the situation, it’s essential to appreciate the significance of the Texas-Oklahoma rivalry. Played annually in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas, the Red River Rivalry is a game that holds a unique place in college football. The contest has always been filled with emotion, high stakes, and passionate fanbases, and it’s often a game that has national implications. For Texas, a win over Oklahoma means much more than just a victory in the standings—it represents pride, tradition, and the hope that the team can contend for bigger goals down the road.

In 2024, the stakes were particularly high. Texas, with a dynamic offense led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, was positioned to make a serious run at a Big 12 championship and a potential College Football Playoff (CFP) berth. Meanwhile, Oklahoma was in the midst of a rebuilding process under head coach Brent Venables, yet the Sooners remained a formidable force in the conference. A victory over their bitter rivals would be a key moment in Texas’ campaign and could serve as a statement to the rest of the college football world.

For most of the game, the focus was on Quinn Ewers, Texas’ starting quarterback. Ewers, who had shown considerable improvement throughout the season, was expected to be the focal point of the Longhorns’ offense. But as the game wore on and the action intensified, it became clear that the spotlight would shift, not just because of the Longhorns’ success on the field, but because of Arch Manning’s future in Austin.

Arch Manning’s Background and Expectations

When Arch Manning committed to Texas, he immediately became one of the most scrutinized high school quarterbacks in the country. The nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch was already a household name before he even played a single snap at the collegiate level. Manning was a five-star recruit, the No. 1 quarterback prospect in the 2023 class, and someone who had the football world buzzing. Texas fans believed that the young quarterback would be the key to returning the program to national prominence after years of mediocrity.

Despite the excitement surrounding his arrival, Manning’s freshman year at Texas was always expected to be a developmental one. With Quinn Ewers entrenched as the starter and a solid quarterback depth chart behind him, Manning’s role in the 2024 season was more about learning the ropes, getting accustomed to the speed of the game, and preparing for the future. Manning had the physical attributes to excel—he stood at 6’4”, had a strong arm, and demonstrated the poise and leadership that ran in his family. But it was clear that his time would come later, not immediately.

Yet, after the Texas-Oklahoma game, Manning found himself thrust into the national conversation, not for anything he had done on the field, but for the potential he represented. His name echoed across sports radio, social media platforms, and sports networks as analysts speculated about what would happen next in the quarterback room at Texas.

The Game Itself: Texas’ Victory

On the field, the 2024 Texas-Oklahoma game was a classic Red River Rivalry showdown, filled with momentum swings, big plays, and passionate performances from both sides. Texas came into the game as the favorite, but the Sooners were hungry for an upset and played with a chip on their shoulder. Quinn Ewers and the Longhorns’ offense found themselves in a dogfight with Oklahoma throughout the game, with both teams exchanging touchdowns in a back-and-forth affair.

Despite a valiant effort from the Sooners, it was Texas that emerged victorious, securing a hard-fought 31-24 win. Ewers was solid, throwing for over 250 yards and two touchdowns, but it was the Longhorns’ defense, led by linebacker David Gbenda and cornerback Jahdae Barron, that made crucial stops at key moments to hold Oklahoma at bay.

While Ewers’ performance was solid and contributed to the win, it was what transpired in the aftermath of the game that left Longhorns fans and college football pundits buzzing.

Arch Manning: The Talk of College Football

In the days following the Texas-Oklahoma game, the attention around Arch Manning grew exponentially. Although Manning had not played a snap in the game, his name dominated conversation as the college football world began speculating about his future and what was next for Texas. Manning had spent the game on the sidelines, watching as Ewers led the team to victory. Yet, his presence loomed large as many wondered when he would be given the opportunity to start.

One of the biggest questions surrounding Manning’s future at Texas was whether he would take over the starting job in 2024 or if he would be forced to wait until 2025. Despite his high profile, Manning remained a backup to Ewers, a player who had earned his place as the starter through hard work and experience. However, after Texas’ victory over Oklahoma, the conversation shifted to how long Texas could afford to keep Manning on the bench and whether the future of the program should take precedence over short-term success.

The media and fans alike began to discuss the potential of Manning leading the Longhorns. While Quinn Ewers had performed well in the 2024 season, the idea of Manning, with his talent, pedigree, and potential, starting for Texas was something that couldn’t be ignored. Analysts began projecting when it might be the right time for Sarkisian to hand over the reins to Manning, suggesting that a change could happen sooner rather than later, especially if Ewers faced any struggles down the stretch of the season.

However, head coach Steve Sarkisian was quick to shut down talk of any immediate quarterback change. In a press conference following the game, Sarkisian stated, “We’re rolling with Quinn. He’s our guy, and we’re focused on winning games with him as our starter. Arch is a part of our future, and he’s going to be a great quarterback for Texas, but Quinn is the one leading this team right now.”

While Sarkisian’s words were meant to quell the speculation, they only fueled the fire. Fans and analysts alike debated whether the Longhorns were doing the right thing by sticking with Ewers or if it was time for Manning to step in. The conversation surrounding Manning only intensified, with people eager to see how long Ewers could maintain the starting role before Manning’s time arrived.

The Impact of Arch Manning’s Name on Texas Football

Arch Manning’s presence, even as a backup quarterback, had a profound impact on Texas football. His name alone brought a level of visibility and intrigue to the program that few players could match. The spotlight was not only on the Longhorns’ current success but also on the future of the team, with Manning positioned as the key to the next era of Texas football.

For Manning, the attention was a double-edged sword. On one hand, the immense pressure and scrutiny were part of the deal when you’re a Manning. But on the other hand, it also provided motivation. Manning, who had always been focused on the process of developing as a quarterback, found himself at the center of a conversation that was largely out of his control. But rather than shy away from it, Manning seemed to embrace the challenge. He knew that his time would come, and when it did, he would need to be ready.

For the Texas Longhorns, the quarterback situation was now firmly in the spotlight. The team’s success in the Red River Rivalry solidified their status as one of the top programs in the Big 12, but the question of who would ultimately lead them to greater heights remained unanswered. As much as the Texas-Oklahoma victory was a team effort, it was clear that the focus moving forward would be on the future of the quarterback position.