Tag: Arch Manning

Jul 15, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning answers questions from the media during SEC Media Days at Omni Atlanta Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

Heisman whispers loom as Arch Manning takes handoff at Texas

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Arch Manning has started a grand total of two games in two seasons at quarterback for the Texas Longhorns.

Yet, according to DraftKings, the Louisiana native and third-generation member of the Manning family is the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy.

“I’m not really sure how they got these opinions because I’ve only played in, what? Two games?” an incredulous Manning said at the Southeastern Conference media days on Tuesday. “I guess it’s nice of them to say, but it doesn’t mean anything. Talk is cheap, I’ve got to go prove it.”

Manning’s third career start is likely to take place on Aug. 30 when Texas travels to Columbus, Ohio to take on defending national champion Ohio State.

He witnessed the steamroller that Ohio State became in the 2024 postseason from the sidelines as then-Longhorns starting QB Quinn Ewers could not put enough points on the board in a 28-14 setback in the semifinals.

“We’re opening with the champs,” Manning said. “It’s going to be a fun one. I learned a lot from Quinn; he was damn good on the road. I’m going to text him, get some of his advice, and we’ll fire up. Ohio State is a really good team, so it’s going to be a good challenge.”

Many around college football assumed Manning would jump ship before the 2024 season with Ewers reclaiming the starting role.

“I’m not going to lie, it was pretty tough,” Manning said. “The competitor in me always wants to play and be on the field to help my team out. Looking back, it definitely helped me grow as a person and a player. I’m blessed for that.”

Although the competition was certainly inferior to the test he will receive from the Buckeyes, Manning showed his stuff in home starts against Louisiana-Monroe and Mississippi State last September. In the 35-13 win over Mississippi State, he completed 26 of 31 passes for 325 yards and a pair of long-range touchdown strikes.

The Longhorns are expected to contend for the national title again in 2025. Manning is confident in his own abilities, but knows he has a tremendous cast around him to help.

“We’ve got a good group around me. I think our defense is really good, we’ve got a good o-line and we’ve got good skill players. So, I’m going to rely on them and try to make it happen.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 26, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws against the Vanderbilt Commodores during pregame warmups at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

2026 NFL Draft: Arch Manning opens as No. 1 favorite

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Arch Manning has started two career college games and attempted fewer than 100 pass attempts in two seasons, but Texas’ redshirt sophomore quarterback is already the favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Manning was installed as the +200 favorite by DraftKings after the conclusion of the 2025 draft, which saw only two quarterbacks selected in the first round. Cam Ward went No. 1 overall to Tennessee, Jaxson Dart No. 25 to the New York Giants, and Tyler Shough to New Orleans with the 40th overall pick was the only other signal-caller to hear his name called in the top 90 selections.

The 2026 NFL Draft is expected to produce more elite quarterback talent. That begins with Manning, who was officially named the Longhorns’ starter next season by coach Steve Sarkisian in February.

The next shortest odds to be selected No. 1 overall belong to a host of other quarterbacks: Penn State’s Drew Allar (+225), LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier (+450) and Clemson’s Cade Klubnik (+1800). Klubnik’s Tigers teammate, pass rusher T.J. Parker, is the first non-quarterback on the list as a +2500 longshot along with Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk.

Despite his relative lack of experience, Manning has been targeted for NFL stardom for many years.

The oldest son of Cooper Manning, Arch is the nephew of long-time NFL stars Peyton and Eli Manning. Arch Manning developed into the No. 1 high school recruit in the country, and ultimately chose Texas.

Despite attempting passes in only six games last season, Manning’s athleticism was on full display as Quinn Ewers’ backup. In addition to completing 67.8 percent of his pass attempts for 9 touchdowns against 2 interceptions, Manning also rushed for 108 yards and four more scores on the ground.

Granted, there is still plenty of time for another quarterback or perceived generational talent to leapfrog Manning on the draft odds board. Consider that this time last year, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders was among the favorites to go No. 1 overall in 2025, only to see his stock plummet so far that he had to wait until the fifth round to hear his name called on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Sanders’ Buffaloes teammate Travis Hunter continued to rise throughout last season. The two-way star emerged as the Heisman Trophy winner and Jacksonville paid a king’s ransom to move up three spots to land Hunter.

Field Level Media broke down the top names to know entering the 2025 college football season:

1. QB Arch Manning, Texas
Junior in 2025
Bloodlines for days with a pair of uncles in Eli and Peyton who were drafted No. 1 and a grandpa picked No. 2 by the Saints in 1978, the cameo appearances we’ve witnessed at Texas point to potential greatness from the next Manning progeny. He’s the best athlete of them all and shares the QB bloodhound instincts of his famous uncles with athletic traits reminiscent of grandpa Archie. Need we say more? Inexperience stands as the lone question. But we’ll have an answer very soon as Arch Manning replaces Quinn Ewers in Austin. In a nutshell, he can make every throw and run a little, too.

2. S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Junior in 2025
“Special” only starts to tell the story with Downs, our top-ranked defensive player in 2026 entering the upcoming season. We can keep up the talk about bloodlines with Downs, too. Dad, Gary, was a running back in the NFL. Caleb is the nephew of former NFL cornerback Dre Bly and younger brother of Colts WR Josh Downs. Caleb Downs transferred from Alabama after a standout freshman season to play at Ohio State. The do-it-all safety grabbed the spotlight. His football IQ and processing are uncanny. He can dominate in single-high with physicality and playmaking or win in the box. He’s a potential top-5 pick.

3. OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
Junior in 2025
Squarely built right tackle prospect with a blend of explosive power, body control and rare athleticism for a 6-foot-6, 320-pound force of nature. Former five-star recruit has met expectations since starting for the Hurricanes as a freshman. Coaches praise his drive, rapid development and attention to detail. If he’s not the first offensive tackle selected with the No. 1 pick since Eric Fisher in 2013, we’re positive he won’t be waiting long.

4. DL T.J. Parker, Clemson
Junior in 2025
Menacing pass rusher (16.5 career sacks) ended the season with seven sacks in the Tigers’ final six games. Parker gives the Tigers an anchor on one of the best defensive lines in the country. Had he been available in 2025, Parker would’ve been in the conversation as the top pass rusher in the draft. He should reign terror on opposing quarterbacks for years to come.

5. DL Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
Junior in 2025
Bain has 11 sacks in his first two seasons and didn’t play four games last season because of a calf injury. His upside is undeniable and practice reps head-to-head with the top-ranked OT on this list won’t hurt his development as a power end with potential to duck inside in some schemes.

6. Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Junior in 2025
Cloaked in huge expectations and already a physically imposing monster for a defensive end, Faulk is listed at 6-6, 275, and is only 20 years old entering the college football season. He had 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks in 2024.

7. QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
Senior in 2025
Another Clipboard U graduate in the Southeastern Conference, Nussmeier waited for his opportunity for what seemed like ages at LSU. He’ll be 24 in February 2026, which some teams might overplay as a downside. Most of them would’ve loved to have Nussmeier’s predecessor, NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels in 2024.

8. CB Ashton Stamps, LSU
Junior in 2025
He’s a do-it-all cornerback the Tigers trust on an island because of his ability to lock down any assignment. Excellent physicality and mirroring ability to handle press or man coverage with the speed and instincts to make plays in zone. Should be highly touted and climbs this list by simply maintaining current trajectory.

9. DT Peter Woods, Clemson
Junior in 2025
Another force up front for the Tigers, Woods played most of last season at defensive end and was unblockable at times. He weighs over 300 pounds but only the scale knows. Clemson uses him anywhere and everywhere on the front seven, underscoring rare athleticism at his size. His pro potential is through the roof. With Woods playing alongside T.J Parker., Clemson has one of the scariest tandems in football.

10. RB Nick Singleton, Penn State
Senior in 2025
Singleton could have been among the top three at running back in the 2025 draft had he declared, but he stayed to chase a championship. His combination of acceleration and power helps the Penn State offense thrive.

–A couple dozen more intriguing prospects we’ll be studying before the 2026 draft:

DL Aaron Graves, Iowa
Senior in 2025
Film junkies should rewatch the Washington game from 2024. Strong and anchored in the lower half, his background in wrestling is evident in an uncanny ability to maintain ground. Add his name to the long list of hard-nosed and disciplined defenders out of Iowa City.

DT Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
Redshirt Senior in 2025
Massive nose tackle prospect has production and athleticism to ace pre-draft tests. He contributes in the passing game, which means scheme diversity to be a fit for every team. With more refinement, Jackson has the traits to be a playmaker inside.

LB Harold Perkins, LSU
Senior in 2025
Undersized but scrappy player who can win as a pass rusher with the athleticism to make plays in space. One of the most dominant defenders in the FBS with a knack for making an impact. Coming off a torn ACL last season, he should be back healthy and dominant in 2025.

DT Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati
Redshirt junior in 2025
Google Corleone to confirm: his hulking arms are nearly the same circumference of his massive legs. Or ask Chat GTP to show you the strongest defensive tackle in college football. Corleone’s name percolated with evaluators for a few years, but he returned to school rather than cash in a Top 100 spot in April. He’s quick with superhero power — squat is over 600 pounds and deadlift of 700 — and he’s faster than you think. Where does he fit in the NFL? Pro teams always check on serious medical matters and Corleone’s blood clot diagnosis in June 2024 will be scrutinized by doctors.

CB Domani Jackson, Alabama
Senior in 2025
After two seasons at Southern California, one year at Alabama made a notable difference in Jackson’s play. He has elite traits, high-caliber athleticism and could get even better with another year of development. Jackson has a chance to go from potential first-round pick to a possible top-10 selection.

DT Bear Alexander, Oregon
Junior in 2025
Georgia to USC to Oregon, Keithian Alexander — known as Bear — was largely in hibernation with the Trojans in 2024. A one-time top recruit, he’s a pass-rushing defensive tackle with can’t-lose traits in one-on-one matchups inside. He has a combination of size and athleticism to be a top-10 pick if he’s locked in during the 2025 season, which will be his first at Oregon.

LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Senior in 2025
Safety convert added some weight and moved toward the line of scrimmage. Instinctual player with the speed to cover running backs and tight ends on passing downs. Fun chess piece could be dangerous as he advances technique-wise.

CB Tacario Davis, Washington
Senior in 2025
Arizona transfer with plenty of hype and three seasons as a starter for the Wildcats. Long-limbed and can erase receivers on the outside but isn’t shy about moving over the middle.

QB LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
Junior in 2025
If you don’t know Sellers’ name, it’s time to get SEC Network. He has a rocket for a throwing arm and enough athletic ability to be much more as he enters his second season as a starter.

S Rod Moore, Michigan
Senior in 2025
If Moore had entered the 2025 draft, he’d likely would have squarely in the first-round conversation. Athletic and intelligent, he can drop down to cover in the slot and handle man responsibilities. High praise regarding his leadership and splash play ability comes from coaches and opponents. He’ll have some proving to do after he was injured in 2024.

DE Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
Senior in 2025
Dennis-Sutton opted to return in the role of Nittany Lions’ star pass rusher. A great run defender with an impressive frame, he has power to get through any blocker. Dennis-Sutton will be out to prove he was more than a beneficiary of playing opposite 2024 No. 3 pick Abdul Carter.

CB Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State
Senior in 2025
A key piece of the Ohio State secondary in 2024, he also drew a whopping 13 penalties. Grabby corners get benched in the NFL. Igbinosun has the size, physicality and athleticism teams are looking for if he breaks the handsy habits.

QB Carson Beck, Miami
Grad transfer in 2025
Beck spent years behind 2023 fourth-rounder Stetson Bennett IV and took advantage of his opportunity as a starter before injuring his right elbow in the SEC title game. A modern-day pocket passer with good accuracy, quick release and instincts to anticipate windows, he’ll keep himself in the draft mix if health isn’t a setback.

WR Nic Anderson, LSU
Redshirt junior in 2025
Anderson was a stud as a freshman at Oklahoma with 10 TD catches. But he has only six starts (17 games) under his belt. A 6-4 target with a track background, he’ll pair with a pro-caliber QB at LSU with a chance to prove his high ceiling and first-round projection.

TE Tanner Koziol, Wisconsin
Senior in 2025
Ball State transfer is built like a power forward with extremely long limbs. Exciting pass catcher with quick feet and solid awareness. Moving up in competition to the Big Ten will give him a chance to prove he’s the top tight end in college football.

WR Antonio Williams, Clemson
Junior in 2025
Smooth route-runner with 17 career TD grabs. He opted to return for another season with Cade Klubnik.

RB Makhi Hughes, Oregon
Redshirt Junior in 2025
Hughes’ choice to move up to Oregon from Tulane could make him a highly touted prospect as he replaces Jordan James. Great power and vision make him a true RB1.

DE Damon Wilson II, Missouri
Junior in 2025
Working rotationally at Georgia, Wilson opted to hit the portal after the 2024 season for a chance to be a primary defender in Missouri’s pass rush. The versatile lineman can drop into coverage, set the edge, or break into the backfield on any given snap.

OG DJ Campbell, Texas
Senior in 2025
It was hard to acknowledge all the talent Texas had on the offensive line, but watch a few snaps and No. 52 stands out at right guard. Campbell has a great frame and body control to win at the point of attack and keep his jersey clean.

RB Anthony Hankerson, Oregon State
Senior in 2025
Hankerson is the ideal goal-line back. He runs with energy and contact balance reminiscent of Cowboys RB Javonte Williams.

S Michael Taaffe, Texas
Senior in 2025
An under-the-radar riser in 2024, Taaffe chose to return to the Longhorns to help the team’s chances of claiming a national title. A former walk-on turned second-team All-American, his constant playmaking ability comes up big for the Longhorns.

LB Kyle Louis, Pitt
Junior in 2025
High-motor defender operates all over the field and always finds the football. Utilized as a pass rusher, run stopper, slot defender and much more and never looked out of place.

RB Eli Sanders, USC
Senior in 2025
Sanders lit up the competition at New Mexico and figures to do the same for the Trojans. He currently projects as a second- or third-round pick.

OG Ar’maj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M
Senior in 2025
Great blend of flexibility and power to match speed or strength on the interior. Tremendous frame with excellent body control. Another year developing his technique could have Reed-Adams as one of the top guard prospects in the class.

TE Max Klare, Ohio State
Junior in 2025
Purdue transfer consistently found ways to contribute in the quick passing attack. With defenses looking to limit Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate downfield, Klare should see opportunities to produce underneath.

TE Oscar Delp, Georgia
Senior in 2025
Had high expectations entering 2024 but Brock Bowers left enormous shoes to fill. With another year as the lead guy and a new QB, Delp has the tools to emerge as a top-50 prospect.

–Field Level Media

Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) takes the field before the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Playoff First Round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Texas QB Arch Manning has ‘no plans’ to enter transfer portal

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Texas backup quarterback Arch Manning said he intends to return to the Longhorns next season, despite rumors he would enter the NCAA transfer portal.

Speaking Monday in advance of No. 5 seed Texas’ College Football Playoff quarterfinal appearance against No. 4 Arizona State at the Peach Bowl in Atlanta, Manning said he intends to continue suiting up in burnt orange.

While the portal closed Dec. 28, players on teams still involved in bowl games have an extended window.

“I really have no plans on entering the portal or anything so I don’t really know about it, about the whole windows and everything,” Manning said.

Manning, a redshirt freshman, made the statement without a public declaration from starter Quinn Ewers about his status for 2025. Ewers hasn’t confirmed a mid-December report that he’d enter the 2025 NFL Draft. That is an option for Ewers, as is returning to Texas or transferring.

The No. 1-ranked player in the Class of 2023 coming out of Isidore Newman High School in New Orleans, Manning appeared in two games last season. But in 2024, with an abdominal injury to Ewers, Manning started two games and played in seven others.

On the season, he has completed 67.8 percent of his pass attempts (61 of 90) for 939 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions. He also rushed 24 times for 100 yards with four scores.

He went 2-0 as a starter against Louisiana-Monroe and Mississippi State. He has taken situational snaps since Ewers’ return.

–Field Level Media

Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) looks over at the student section after the Longhorns' game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 23, 2024.

Texas QB Quinn Ewers (ankle) probable to start vs. Texas A&M

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Quarterback Quinn Ewers is expected to start for No. 3 Texas despite a high-ankle sprain when the Longhorns visit No. 20 Texas A&M on Saturday night in College Station, Texas.

The junior was listed as probable on the Southeastern Conference injury report on Friday. He sustained the injury during the first half of the Longhorns’ 31-14 victory over Kentucky last Saturday.

“I was around the 50-yard-line and I stepped up and kind of took off running a little bit and then kind of got hip-drop tackled, and I think he kind of just rolled up on it a little bit,” Ewers said after the game. “But it’s football and stuff like that happens.”

Ewers was hobbled and finished 20-of-31 passing for 191 yards with two touchdowns. Only 14 of those yards came in the second half, when Texas gained 132 on the ground.

He described the ankle as “just a little tender” after the game. By Monday, he told the Austin American-Statesman, “Nobody’s 100 percent, especially this late in the season. But that’s part of it. I feel good.”

Ewers has completed 189 of 278 passes for 2,089 yards and 23 touchdowns with six interceptions in nine games. He has missed time because of a strained oblique injury, and redshirt freshman Arch Manning has filled in, as he might be called to do on Saturday.

Manning is 61 of 90 for 939 yards, nine TDs and two interceptions in six games (two starts). He also has rushed 17 times for 81 yards and three touchdowns.

Texas (10-1, 6-1 SEC) has ruled out defensive back Derek Williams Jr. and running backs CJ Baxter, Christian Clark and Velton Gardner.

Texas A&M (8-3, 5-2) will be without wide receiver Cyrus Allen, defensive back Tyreek Chappell, running back Le’Veon Moss and offensive lineman Mark Nabou Jr.

–Field Level Media

Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) warms up ahead of the Longhorns' game against the UTSA Roadrunners at Darrell K RoyalÐTexas Memorial Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024.

Official: No. 1 Texas to start Quinn Ewers in Oklahoma showdown

Posted on | by Field Level Media

No. 1 Texas will have starting quarterback Quinn Ewers back on the field when it meets No. 18 Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry showdown on Saturday in Dallas.

Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian announced Thursday that Ewers has recovered from an oblique injury and will lead Texas against its longtime rival in the first-ever meeting for the teams as members of the Southeastern Conference.

Ewers exited Texas’ victory against UTSA on Sept. 14 and was replaced by freshman Arch Manning, who then guided the Longhorns (5-0, 1-0 SEC) to wins over UL Monroe and Mississippi State.

This season, Ewers has completed 73.4 percent of his passes for 691 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions, while Manning has completed 70.5 percent of his passes for 901 yards with nine TDs and two interceptions.

Oklahoma (4-1, 1-1) defeated Texas 34-30 in last season’s clash.

–Field Level Media

Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian watches his team warm up ahead of the Texas Longhorns' game against the ULM Warhawks at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Sept. 21, 2024.

Texas not planning to play 2 QBs as Quinn Ewers eyes return

Posted on | by Field Level Media

With Quinn Ewers on pace to return from his abdominal injury in the Longhorns’ next game, don’t expect to see Arch Manning on the field, despite the backup’s 2-0 record in Ewers’ absence, according to Texas coach Steve Sarkisian.

“When I was a starter, I never wanted the backup coming in the game, even for a play,” Sarkisian told reporters Wednesday on an SEC teleconference call.

“And I remember my senior year of college, I had been banged up and coaches wanted to run a quarterback draw. And they called the play and I scored a touchdown. So I’ve got respect for a guy that’s a starting quarterback and the rhythm that is needed to play with, so no that’s not something I’ve ever entertained.”

Manning went 26-of-31 passing (83.9 percent) for 324 yards in a 35-13 win over Mississippi State on Saturday, a week after a 51-3 home blowout over Louisiana-Monroe in the first start of his college career.

After suffering an abdominal strain that knocked him out of a 56-7 win over UTSA on Sept. 14, Ewers is reportedly on target to return on Oct. 12 when the No. 2 Longhorns (5-0, 1-0 SEC) face archrival Oklahoma for the first time in the Southeastern Conference.

Ewers reportedly practiced with the first team Tuesday, with the Longhorns on a bye before their big SEC showdown in Norman with the No. 19 Sooners.

“He’s just rehabbing as he has been. I think he’s been making steady progress one day to the next, which is a good sign,” Sarkisian told reporters Tuesday. “We haven’t had any setbacks. It’s been steady progress. I think he’s getting stronger and more comfortable and more confident, and so we’ll just kind of stay the course with that.”

Sarkisian had already made clear his desire to have Ewers back at the starting position as soon as possible, saying after Saturday’s win over the Bulldogs, “We need Quinn back because he’s our quarterback, and he’s our leader.”

–Field Level Media

April 20, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA: Texas Longhorns quarterbacks Arch Manning (16), left, and Quinn Ewers (3) throw passes while warming up ahead of the Longhorns' spring Orange and White game at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sara Diggins-Imagn Images via American Statesman

No. 1 Texas won’t name starting QB until Friday

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said he won’t decide until Friday whether Quinn Ewers or Arch Manning will quarterback the nation’s No. 1 team on Saturday against Mississippi State.

Ewers left the Longhorns’ Week 3 win over UTSA with an abdominal strain and was replaced by Manning. The redshirt freshman started in Ewers’ place last weekend in a 51-3 drubbing of Louisiana-Monroe as Texas moved to 4-0.

Sarkisian told reporters Thursday that he wants Ewers, in his third season as the Longhorns starter, to have the maximum time to recover before naming his QB.

“We’re going to decide on the quarterback thing (Friday),” Sarkisian said. “It won’t be a secret. We’re not trying to pull the wool over anybody’s eyes. Just want to give Quinn every opportunity to see if he’s ready to play and what he looks like. I’d say he’s improved every day. I think Arch has had a very good week.”

In his first college start, Manning was 15-of-29 passing for 258 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions against ULM. In relief of Ewers in the UTSA game, Manning completed 9 of 12 passes for 223 yards with four TD passes and 67-yard touchdown run.

Ewers is 19-6 as a starter at Texas. He has 6,347 career passing yards, good for seventh place in program history. His 45 passing touchdowns rank sixth.

Mississippi State will be the first-ever Southeastern Conference opponent for the Longhorns. The Bulldogs (1-3, 0-1 SEC) lost their conference opener to Florida 45-28 last Saturday and lost quarterback Blake Shapen for the season to a shoulder injury.

Freshman Michael Van Buren will get his first college start for the Bulldogs on Saturday in Austin.

–Field Level Media

Sep 14, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs for a touchdown during the first half against the Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Texas’ Arch Manning to get first college start on Saturday

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Texas quarterback Arch Manning will get his first college football start on Saturday when the No. 1 Longhorns host Louisiana-Monroe in Austin.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian made the start official Thursday.

A redshirt freshman, Manning will be filling in for Quinn Ewers, a Heisman Trophy candidate who suffered an abdominal strain in the Longhorns’ 56-7 win against UTSA last Saturday.

“Arch will start at quarterback Saturday,” Sarkisian said Thursday on his weekly pregame video call, per 247Sports. “You know, I feel like Quinn has made great strides ever since Saturday night into where he’s gotten to. But my decision is — I’m looking forward to [Ewers’] future as a player, but also to the future of the season for us and the longevity and getting him possibly one more week healthier for the long term. I think it’s good for us as we’re getting ready for SEC play. So Arch is more than capable, as I think we all know.”

Manning, the nephew of Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning, represented the family name well when he replaced Ewers last Saturday.

He completed nine passes for 223 yards and four touchdowns and ran for one more as he scrambled 67 yards.

The most recent Texas freshman quarterback to lead the Longhorns to at least five TDs in a game was Colt McCoy in 2006.

–Field Level Media

Trainers tend to Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) during the game against UTSA at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024.

Report: Injured QB Quinn Ewers week-to-week, likely out vs. ULM

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Texas star quarterback Quinn Ewers’ availability is week-to-week because of an oblique strain, and he is likely to miss the next game for the new No. 1 Longhorns, ESPN reported Sunday afternoon.

Texas hosts ULM this Saturday, then opens Southeastern Conference play against visiting Mississippi State on Sept. 28. Then after an off week, Texas faces No. 15 Oklahoma on Oct. 12 in Dallas and hosts No. 2 Georgia on Oct. 19.

Orangebloods.com first reported Ewers’ playing status.

Ewers exited Saturday’s 56-7 victory over UTSA early in the second quarter due to a strained abdomen, coach Steve Sarkisian said.

Highly regarded backup Arch Manning replaced Ewers and he accounted for five touchdowns (four passing, one rushing) for the then-No. 2 Longhorns. Manning completed 9 of 12 passes for 223 yards.

Ewers completed 14 of 16 passes for 185 yards, two touchdowns and one interception before exiting.

“Quinn has an oblique strain, an abdomen strain,” Sarkisian said after the game. “It remains to be seen, you know, the seriousness of that or the length of that, but that’s what it is. We don’t think it’s anything structural or broken — it was an odd play. But again, that gave Arch an opportunity to get some valuable playing time and experience.”

Ewers threw for 3,479 yards and 22 touchdowns against six interceptions last season while leading Texas to a Big 12 championship and College Football Playoff appearance.

–Field Level Media

Jan 1, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up before the 2024 Sugar Bowl college football playoff semifinal game against the Washington Huskies at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

SEC dominates potential Arch Manning transfer destinations

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Arch Manning announced last month that he planned to return to the Texas Longhorns for the 2024 season whether or not starting quarterback Quinn Ewers declared for the NFL draft.

However, Ewers’ announcement this week that he will return to Austin for his senior season sparked the embers on rumors of a potential transfer. Should Manning, the No. 1 quarterback recruit in the 2023 class, consider leaving the Longhorns, there would be no shortage of suitors.

If Manning exits Austin, LSU is the favorite destination at +200 by SportsBetting.ag as the Tigers look to replace Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels. Manning’s grandfather, Archie Manning, is a Louisiana legend, having starred for the New Orleans Saints from 1971-82.

The next-shortest odds belong to North Carolina at +300. The Tar Heels are losing Drake Maye, who is in the picture for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Third is Ole Miss (+400), which is where Archie Manning and Arch’s uncle, Eli, both played. Arch Manning previously broke the all-time passing record held by Eli at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans.

The book is offering odds on nine potential schools. Seven of those are in the SEC, including Tennessee, where another of Arch Manning’s uncles, Peyton, is the program’s all-time leading passer.

ARCH MANNING NEXT TEAM ODDS
LSU (+200)
North Carolina (+300)
Ole Miss (+400)
Tulane (+500)
Alabama (+600)
Tennessee (+800)
South Carolina (+1000)
Georgia (+1200)
Texas A&M (+3300)

Ewers announced Thursday that he would return to Texas rather than enter the draft. In the week leading up to the Longhorns’ College Football Playoff semifinal against Washington, Manning insisted that Ewers’ pending decision would not alter his plan to return to Austin for a second season.

Texas offensive coordinator Kyle Flood said Manning showed progress with increased practice reps during Sugar Bowl preparation. During the 2023 season, Maalik Murphy was the primary backup to Ewers while Manning filled the No. 3 role. Murphy transferred to Duke with writing on the wall about Manning’s future role.

“He approaches everything like he’s the starting quarterback,” Flood said of Manning. “And I think that’s the key, whenever you’re in a reserve role, to being ready whenever you’re called upon.

“We’ve got a ton of confidence in Arch.”

–Field Level Media