Arch Manning’s Journey to Becoming the Texas Starting Quarterback
ATLANTA — Arch Manning admits now that going from highly sought-after high school recruit to the Texas backup quarterback wasn’t an easy transition.
“This is not really a big deal, but I played every year in high school,” Manning said on Tuesday at SEC Media Days. “It was a 2-A high school. That doesn’t mean anything, but from sitting out and not playing, that was pretty tough.”
Background and Family Legacy
The son of Cooper Manning, the grandson of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning and the nephew of Super Bowl-winning QBs Peyton and Eli Manning passed for 939 yards and nine touchdowns and ran for four touchdowns last season but saw only limited playing time after September behind Quinn Ewers.
Manning could have seen the field earlier had he gone elsewhere. But in an era where college athletes have newfound maneuverability thanks to the transfer portal — and the ability to strike lucrative deals at interested schools — the quarterback chose to ride it out.
Decision to Stay at Texas
“(Transferring) never really crossed my mind,” Manning said. “I knew Texas was the place I wanted to be. It was the city I wanted to be in, a great education. I had friends there. I was still developing and growing as a football player and a person. So I never really wanted to leave. If there was somewhere else I wanted to be, I would have gone.”
Two years since first arriving in Austin, his days of watching offensive possessions from the sideline is likely behind him. Ewers moved on and up, drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round in April, passing the torch to the newest playmaker in one of football’s most famous families.
Preparation and Confidence
Manning’s confidence masks the simple fact that the most talked-about player in college football has played in just 12 career games going into the Aug. 30 season-opener at Ohio State, the defending national champion and the team that beat the Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl last January. Now that the wait is over, coach Steve Sarkisian thinks he is ready.
“He’s got an unbelievable work ethic. And I think, if he stays true to himself, that’s going to help him navigate these waters as they present themselves,” Sarkisian said. “I think he’s prepared for the moment, but now it’s just time for him to go do it and enjoy doing it quite frankly.”
SEC Conference and Competition
The Big Ten’s recent success has put a dent in the SEC’s reputation as the nation’s dominant conference. SEC coaches, players and Commissioner Greg Sankey have no question they’re still No. 1.
Instead of Texas’ fight song, Sarkisian was introduced at SEC Media Days as the Aggie War Hymn played.
Expectations and Pressure
There’s no shortage of lofty comparisons for the Longhorns’ incoming starting quarterback and former five-star recruit.
Many expect Arch Manning to be great. Just good might be enough for Texas to win in 2025
Find more Texas coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
Conclusion
Arch Manning’s journey to becoming the Texas starting quarterback has been a long and challenging one. With his confidence, work ethic, and preparation, he is ready to take on the responsibility of leading the Longhorns. The SEC conference and competition will be fierce, but Manning is up for the challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Arch Manning?
Arch Manning is the son of Cooper Manning, the grandson of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning, and the nephew of Super Bowl-winning QBs Peyton and Eli Manning.
Q: Why did Arch Manning choose to stay at Texas?
Arch Manning chose to stay at Texas because he wanted to be in the city, have a great education, and be with his friends. He also wanted to continue developing and growing as a football player and a person.
Q: What are the expectations for Arch Manning in the upcoming season?
There are high expectations for Arch Manning in the upcoming season, with many comparing him to his famous family members. However, just being a good quarterback might be enough for Texas to win in 2025.
Q: What is the SEC conference and how does it relate to Arch Manning?
The SEC conference is the Southeastern Conference, a collegiate athletic conference that includes the University of Texas. Arch Manning will be competing in the SEC conference as the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns.
