In recent years, Arch Manning emerged as one of the most coveted high school football recruits in the nation, ultimately choosing to attend the University of Texas in Austin. Following Quinn Ewers’ transition to the NFL after being drafted in the seventh round, many speculated it would pave the way for Manning to assume the starting quarterback role at Texas. Despite Manning making some impressive plays when given limited opportunities over the past seasons, former college football coach Steve Spurrier raised doubts regarding his potential. Spurrier, who notably led the Florida Gators to a national championship in 1996, questioned coaching decisions made by Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, specifically why Ewers was favored as the starter over Manning.
Spurrier argued that if Manning was as talented as many claimed, he could not understand why Ewers, who was not highly regarded in the NFL Draft, had more playing time. He posed a rhetorical question about Sarkisian’s rationale for choosing Ewers, suggesting that the coach must have believed Ewers outperformed Manning in practice. Spurrier hoped Sarkisian would clarify the reasoning behind this decision, underlining the importance of performance metrics rather than potential hype in determining playing time.
During his time on the bench, Manning faced significant scrutiny and was reportedly considering transferring to another program that would allow him more immediate playing opportunities. However, Manning publicly reaffirmed his commitment to Texas. In an April media appearance, he acknowledged the challenge of waiting for his chance but expressed optimism about his decision and desire to remain in Austin. Manning emphasized his love for the school, his friendships there, and his aspiration to become the Longhorns’ starting quarterback.
Last season, Manning showcased his abilities by appearing in ten games, starting two when Ewers was injured. He concluded the season with impressive stats, including 939 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions. Moreover, he demonstrated his athleticism by rushing for 108 yards and adding four rushing touchdowns. His performance helped lead Texas to the College Football Playoff, including a notable victory against Clemson in the opening round and a thrilling overtime win over Arizona State in the quarterfinals.
Despite a promising playoff run, Texas was ultimately eliminated by the Ohio State Buckeyes, who would go on to win the national championship. The defeat underscored the competitive landscape of college football and the challenges that lie ahead for Manning and the Longhorns. As the 2025 season approaches, Texas is set to face Ohio State again, this time in Columbus on August 30, adding another layer of anticipation to Manning’s evolving college football career.
In summary, while Manning’s recruitment and early commitment have generated considerable excitement, his journey thus far has been marked by challenges and the pressures of high expectations. As he prepares for a pivotal season that could define his legacy at Texas, both fans and analysts remain keenly interested in whether he can fulfill the potential that has been widely anticipated since his high school days. The unfolding narrative of Arch Manning at Texas promises to be one of the most talked-about stories as college football progresses into the 2025 season.
