Around this time last year, Arch Manning had a rocky outing in the Texas Spring Game, which put to rest any speculation of a quarterback controversy between him and Quinn Ewers. While it’s still Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian’s stance that Ewers is the unquestioned starter, the young Manning certainly gave fans something to think about at least.
Ewers is likely off to the NFL Draft in 2025, whereupon Arch will step in under center for him. If Saturday’s electrifying, big play display by Manning is any indication, Texas’ QB position is in a great spot for the foreseeable future.
Manning went OFF for 355 yards and two TDs, with 19 completions on 25 attempts, including another dropped TD among those failed hook-ups.
Way to sling the damn pill, young man. Sarkisian raved about Manning’s performance afterwards, which is when you know it was quite the spectacle.
It’d be easy for Sark to downplay the whole thing as “just a spring game.” This felt different. Ewers played understandably limited snaps so that everyone could get an extended look at Manning. It doesn’t help the scrutiny on Ewers that one of his series ended in a batted pass near the line of scrimmage and a pick-six. Longhorns supporters are going to put every Ewers throw under the microscope during the 2024 season.
I have my doubts that we’ll see a Caleb Williams-style takeover from Manning like the soon-to-be No. 1 overall pick did at Oklahoma once upon a time to unseat Spencer Rattler. However, if Ewers can’t clean up his downfield accuracy and tighten up his mechanics on a more consistent basis, maybe Manning will do enough to rise to the top of the depth chart by year’s end. To reiterate, I’m not counting on that. I’m a big believer in Ewers’ upside. He still has a long way to go before realizing his full potential, and he’s already quite good.
Looks like Arch made the right call not to transfer.
Anyone who was saying back in 2023 that Manning was a classic case of nepotism who couldn’t hack it even at the college level — despite his status as the consensus No. 1 national recruit in the class of 2023 — have some serious crow to eat right about now. Matthew McConaughey is going to get that Wolf of Wall Street chest beat going, give these Arch highlights a few good “alright alright alright” Hail Marys, bang the bongos, and then sprint around his estate as if he’s delivering Tugg Speedman’s TiVo in delight.
PS, honorable mention: When Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning are in your quarterback room, it’s easy to be overlooked. That didn’t stop true frosh passer Trey Owens from dropping some serious dimes, though!
Not one, not two, but three good Longhorns QBs!? Play us out, McConaughey!!
