Arch Manning’s Ascension: The Next Chapter Begins
Arch Manning, often dubbed the most talked-about backup quarterback in college football, is set to make his much-anticipated first college start this Saturday night for the top-ranked Texas Longhorns against Louisiana-Monroe. This opportunity comes in the wake of an injury to starting quarterback Quinn Ewers.
At just 19 years old, Arch is not only the son of Cooper Manning but also carries the weight of a storied family legacy in football. His grandfather, Archie Manning, was a standout at Ole Miss during the 1960s and went on to have a notable career with the New Orleans Saints in the NFL. Arch’s uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning, each claimed two Super Bowl titles in the NFL, following impressive college careers at Tennessee and Ole Miss, respectively.
As the Longhorns gear up for their game against the Warhawks, which will be streaming live on ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET this Saturday, let’s delve into how Arch arrived at this point and what the future may hold for him.
What Has Arch Manning Accomplished at Texas So Far?
Arch Manning’s journey at Texas has been reminiscent of the traditional approach to quarterback development, especially before the influx of the transfer portal. He officially enrolled at Texas in 2023, opted to redshirt his first year, and primarily served as the third-string quarterback behind Ewers and backup Maalik Murphy. His collegiate debut came during the Longhorns’ regular-season finale, a commanding 57-7 victory over Texas Tech, where he led two scoring drives.
Throughout the previous season, Manning saw limited action, totaling just 27 snaps across two games. His appearances included a late-game cameo to take knees and run out the clock during Texas’ Big 12 Championship win over Oklahoma State. After the season, Murphy transferred to Duke, leaving Manning as the primary backup to Ewers, who chose to remain at Texas for another year, solidifying his role as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback for a third consecutive season.
In the current season, Manning has taken on a more significant role, logging 55 combined snaps in victories over Colorado State and UTSA. Throughout 12 drives that he has orchestrated this season, the Longhorns have impressively scored seven touchdowns. Manning’s statistics speak volumes: he has completed 14 of 18 passes for a total of 318 yards and five touchdowns while also showcasing his mobility with two rushing touchdowns.
In the Week 1 blowout against Colorado State, Manning achieved a personal milestone by connecting on his first five pass attempts, marking the beginning of his scoring prowess. He further shined against UTSA when he stepped in for an injured Ewers in the second quarter, tossing four touchdown passes and sprinting for a remarkable 67-yard touchdown run. He concluded that game with a stellar 9 of 12 passing for 223 yards, contributing to a resounding 56-7 victory over the Roadrunners.
— Sam Khan Jr.
