Quinn Ewers’ Return and Arch Manning’s Rise
On January 11, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers shared an intriguing video on Instagram, which has garnered over 200,000 followers. In the clip, he signed a trading card featuring his face and confidently declared, “I’m coming back.” Below the card, he added a personal message.
The top comment on this post was a playful jab: “Y’all gonna lose manning (sic),” accompanied by two laughing emojis, highlighting the concern regarding the Longhorns’ potential struggles. This comment was directed towards Arch Manning, a five-star recruit, and a name synonymous with college football royalty—son of Cooper Manning, nephew of Eli and Peyton, and grandson of Archie.
Ewers’ unexpected decision to return was fueled by his ambition to lead Texas to its first national championship since 2005. However, the spotlight remained on Manning, who faced questions about his future and whether he might consider transferring after a season where he barely saw the field.
Reflecting on his situation during the Sugar Bowl, Manning expressed, “It’s tough because you want to be out there playing with your boys. But just realizing there’s nowhere else I want to be, and it was my dream to play at Texas. I’m going to stick it out and play there eventually.”
Indeed, Manning made the same commitment as Ewers: he was coming back. Now, with Ewers questionable to play due to an oblique strain sustained against UTSA, Manning is poised to make his first career start against Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian commented on Manning’s teammate mentality: “Arch is just another guy on our team, and the reason I’m able to do that is because that’s who Arch is every day. He’s the selfless teammate. He cares about the guys on the team. He cares about Quinn. They’ve got a great relationship.”
In his first extended opportunity against UTSA, Manning showcased his talent, throwing for 223 yards and accounting for five total touchdowns in a dominant 56-7 victory.
The Changing Landscape of College Football
In the modern era of college football, it’s increasingly common for highly-rated quarterbacks to see playing time early in their careers. However, Manning’s decision to remain at Texas, rather than enter the transfer portal, is a departure from the trends seen among many of his peers.
Despite having thrown only 23 passes in four appearances since joining the team in 2023, things have largely unfolded in a positive manner at Texas. Ewers’ return meant that Manning’s opportunity to start was delayed, but patience could ultimately lead to greater rewards.
- Manning is still a season away from solidifying his status as a first-round NFL draft prospect.
- With three years of eligibility remaining after this season, he has ample time to develop.
- His path to playing time became clearer when last year’s backup, Maalik Murphy, transferred to Duke.
Moreover, Manning’s growth as a player has primarily taken place in closed practices, rather than under the intense scrutiny of national broadcasts. When he has had the chance to perform, he has excelled, demonstrating his potential.
Should Manning start against Louisiana-Monroe, he will be doing so for a Texas team ranked No. 1 in the AP poll for the first time since 2008—when another Texas legend, Colt McCoy, was quarterbacking the Longhorns.
Arch Manning’s Unique Journey
Since high school, the Manning family has adopted a long-term perspective regarding Arch’s football career, emphasizing the importance of a successful NFL path over immediate playing time or NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities. His recruitment was notably low-key, avoiding the spotlight that often accompanies five-star prospects.
Contrary to many of his peers, Manning has maintained a low profile on social media and has refrained from extensively discussing his college decision with reporters. This strategy reflects a desire to enjoy a more conventional high school experience, free from the pressures of fame.
Financial considerations have never been a driving factor for Manning. As of December, he had only one NIL deal with Panini America, and despite rumors of him raking in millions as a third-string quarterback, he has chosen to keep a low profile. His eventual participation in EA Sports’ College Football 25 is a testament to his brand, which has naturally grown without aggressive marketing.
Now, with Ewers returning to Texas motivated by national title aspirations, Manning’s decision to stay becomes clearer. The Longhorns are entering their first season in the SEC, and after a playoff appearance last year, the program is on solid footing.
- Manning’s path to the field is strategically planned, considering the current success of Texas.
- The potential for Ewers to sustain injuries further solidifies Manning’s reasoning for staying.
As Ewers grapples with injuries, Manning’s impressive performance in relief against UTSA has positioned him as a standout backup. If he starts against ULM, it’s a prudent decision, allowing Manning to gain experience without overwhelming pressure.
Given the trajectory of the season, with crucial matchups against Oklahoma and Georgia on the horizon, Manning’s patience and strategic decisions may well pay off. His situation is a reminder that not all journeys in college football follow the same path, especially for someone with the Manning legacy.
In a landscape where immediate gratification often reigns supreme, Arch Manning’s measured approach stands out, and it will be fascinating to see how his story unfolds in the coming weeks.
