As the Texas Longhorns gear up for their quarterfinal matchup against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP), all eyes are on key players that could help propel the team to a potential national championship. While much of the focus is on starting quarterback Quinn Ewers and standout players like Bijan Robinson and Xavier Worthy, another name has been a subject of conversation for Texas fans: backup quarterback Arch Manning. The young QB, a highly-touted recruit from the 2023 class, has faced significant scrutiny this season regarding his future with the program, particularly with growing rumors about his possible transfer.
Manning, who was widely considered the No. 1 recruit in his class, joined Texas amid much fanfare. Expectations were high for him to eventually take over as the starting quarterback for the Longhorns. However, with Quinn Ewers continuing to perform as the starter, Manning has largely served in a backup role, which has led some to speculate that he may seek playing time elsewhere via the transfer portal.
In a recent media appearance, Manning addressed these rumors directly, making it clear that he has no intention of leaving Texas. “I really have no plans on entering the portal or anything,” Manning said, according to Rivals. His firm dismissal of the rumors seems to put an end to speculation regarding his immediate future, reaffirming his commitment to the Longhorns and their pursuit of a national championship.
Manning’s Impact on the Texas Program
Despite not being the starting quarterback, Arch Manning has still had an impact on the Texas Longhorns this season. Although he did not start every game, Manning has been an integral part of the team, contributing to the offense in various ways. In 2024, Manning started in two games, which allowed him to gain valuable experience as he continues to develop under the guidance of head coach Steve Sarkisian.
Manning’s role has mostly been that of a backup to Quinn Ewers, Texas’ established starter. However, as the season progressed, Manning found his way into various offensive packages. His versatility was showcased in several games, where he was called upon for different situational plays. Whether it was as a substitute during blowouts or in specific offensive formations, Manning was able to contribute to the team’s success.
His participation in two games as a starter also gave Longhorn fans a glimpse of what he could do when called upon to lead the offense. While Manning’s stats may not be as eye-popping as Ewers’, his contributions have been vital to maintaining the offensive rhythm, especially when injuries or rest periods have kept Ewers on the sideline. With Manning gaining firsthand experience in college football, his development has been accelerated, setting him up for future success with the Longhorns.
Although Manning has yet to become the full-time starter, his presence on the team has been a source of excitement for Texas fans, who have eagerly awaited his opportunity to take the reins as the quarterback of the future. Manning’s commitment to Texas in light of the rumors surrounding his potential transfer only adds to the growing anticipation of his eventual emergence as the leader of the offense.
Why the Transfer Rumors Were Inevitable
The speculation surrounding Manning’s potential transfer was almost inevitable. After all, Manning was considered one of the most highly-anticipated quarterbacks in recent history, coming out of high school as the No. 1 overall recruit in the country. Being a part of the legendary Manning family, with a lineage of famous quarterbacks like Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, naturally added even more weight to his expected role.
The immense pressure of carrying the Manning name, combined with his high recruitment ranking, led many to believe that he would step into a starting role quickly. However, with Quinn Ewers playing at a high level for Texas in 2024, Manning was relegated to backup duties. For a player of Manning’s caliber, such a situation can sometimes lead to frustration, especially when he’s used to being the focal point of an offense.
The rise of the transfer portal in college football has only made this dynamic more complicated. Players are now more able than ever to explore opportunities for increased playing time elsewhere, and Manning’s status as a backup quarterback has led some to speculate that he may leave Texas in search of a starting job. The prospect of playing in a different system or having the chance to lead another program is something that every highly-regarded recruit faces at some point, especially when they aren’t immediately given the starting role.
However, Manning’s decision to stay at Texas, as stated in his recent comments, shows that he is willing to be patient. This could be a reflection of his understanding of the larger picture — that he is in a program built for success under Steve Sarkisian and that his time will come. The decision to stay also suggests that Manning has bought into the development process at Texas, trusting that his path will unfold in the way that’s best for his growth as a quarterback.
The Longhorns’ Future with Manning
With Manning committing to remain at Texas, the Longhorns’ future looks even brighter. Ewers, who is in his third year with the program, has been one of the top quarterbacks in the country. If he continues to develop as a leader, he could potentially make the leap to the NFL after the 2025 season. That would leave the starting quarterback position open for Manning, who, by that time, would have a year of starting experience and be ready to take over the offense.
The transition from backup quarterback to starter is a big one, but Manning is in an ideal position to succeed. He will have a solid group of skill players around him, including the explosive Xavier Worthy at receiver and an offensive line that has shown significant improvement. With Steve Sarkisian as the head coach and offensive play-caller, Manning will also have the opportunity to work within a system that maximizes his talents.
What Comes Next for Manning
Manning’s decision to stay at Texas for the 2025 season is a huge boost for the program. Not only does it strengthen the quarterback room, but it also provides valuable stability at the position. Manning’s ability to stay committed to the program, despite rumors and potential distractions, shows his maturity and determination. His decision to stick it out and keep working hard at Texas will be a key factor in the team’s ability to continue competing for national championships in the future.
As Manning continues to develop and grow into the player Texas fans hope he will become, his presence will only elevate the Longhorns’ chances at securing a future title. For now, Manning’s commitment to Texas serves as a reminder that patience and perseverance are vital components of a player’s journey — especially when they come from a background as high-profile as Manning’s.
Looking ahead, the Longhorns will continue to rely on Quinn Ewers for their playoff run, but Manning’s development and loyalty to the program will make Texas even stronger in the seasons to come. With Arch Manning in the fold, Texas is well-positioned for sustained success both in the College Football Playoff and beyond.
