In the latest episode of “Fansville,” former No. 1 recruit, Texas’ third-year starting quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate, Quinn Ewers, humorously refers to Arch Manning, another highly rated recruit who has so far had limited game time for the Longhorns in his collegiate career. Manning has shown no intention of leaving Texas despite his low game time. Manning’s situation reflects the increasing tendency for quarterbacks to transfer. However, he clarified that he is determined to play for the University of Texas, something which he always hoped to do. Despite the limited amount of time he has had on the field, his recruiting status adds intrigue and a growing fascination to see him play more regularly.
Texas is currently a College Football Playoff (CFP) front-runner, and a significant part of the challenge facing Steve Sarkisian, the Texas coach, is maintaining this position. Manning’s patience as back up to Ewers has been impressive. Questions are often raised about whether he might transfer because of his non-starter status, but he remains committed, hopeful he will one day play for the University of Texas. This contrasts with the rising trend for power conference teams to employ transfer quarterbacks; 63 percent of 68 teams are expected to start with transfers this season. Sarkisian’s past record of coaching successful quarterbacks, including Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, and Mark Sanchez, was a contributing factor to Manning’s decision to join Texas.
Ewers is firmly established as the starting quarterback at Texas in 2024; he is a great leader, having made impressive strides in 2023 in various major statistical categories. Sarkisian is thrilled not only with the player’s physical progression but also his personal and emotional development, which has instilled confidence throughout the entire team. As a top-five football team quarterback, Ewers’ powerful preparation and demonstrations of confidence should naturally result in more touchdowns, fewer interceptions, and a higher completion percentage.
However, at some point, Texas will need Manning; in each of Sarkisian’s three seasons, he has had to rely on his backup quarterbacks. The past few seasons have witnessed Ewers out of the game multiple times due to injuries. Sarkisian expressed total confidence in Manning’s abilities, emphasizing that if needed, Manning would perform and operate to a high level. Last season was a learning curve for Manning, who had to adapt to being a backup quarterback following a high school career where he was always the starter.
Manning’s performance improved remarkably with each game, and he took significant strides forward this spring. Manning’s growth shone in the Orange and White game where he confidently took command of the field, throwing 355 yards and making three touchdowns. With 2023’s backup having transferred to Duke, Manning is now the second-choice quarterback and seen to be greatly forward in his development.
In conclusion, Texas faces a promising season as a CFP front-runner with the established leadership of Ewers and a strong backup in Manning. Sarkisian’s intention is to utilise a deep roster in the early stages of the season, which naturally includes Manning. The clear mystery, however, is just how and when will Manning, increasingly admired for his athletic abilities and a figure of intrigue and fascination, be given the game time he desires and his fans are hungry to see.
