Even if he had to bide his time to become the unquestioned starting quarterback at Texas, Arch Manning knows he made the right decision to join the Longhorns and stick with the program heading into 2025. The anticipation is palpable as the college football world prepares for a new era in Texas football, where Manning will finally take the reins as the starting quarterback.
Arch Manning’s Journey at Texas
Manning’s journey has not been without its challenges. Over the past couple of seasons, he has watched from the sidelines as Texas made it to the final four teams in the nation but fell short of the ultimate goal: the national title. However, he has remained steadfast in his commitment to the Longhorns, despite having every opportunity to enter the transfer portal and start fresh somewhere else.
So, what kept him in Austin? “I think mostly because I liked being here,” Manning shared, reflecting on his decision to stay with the Longhorns through thick and thin. “Austin’s great. I have a bunch of friends. I like my teammates. I like my friends outside of football. So, there wasn’t really any reason to leave, because I wanted to be here.”
The Rise of the Manning Show
As Quinn Ewers moves on to the NFL, it’ll be the Manning show for Texas as they begin a new crusade this coming season. The college football world got a little taste of what that’s like this past season, as the star quarterback played sparingly when Ewers was hurt in 2024. Now, it’s Manning’s time to ascend for the Longhorns, and fans are eager to see what he can do as the main man under center.
During an interview with ESPN’s Marty Smith, Manning took some time to elaborate on what Texas means to him and why it was the perfect fit for his college football career. He had no shortage of options, but the Longhorns stood above the rest. “There are a few reasons. I liked Coach Sark [Steve Sarkisian] a lot from the jump. Austin was a good spot for me. There’s so much to do here,” Manning explained.
What Makes Texas Special?
Manning’s choice to join Texas was not just about football; it was about the entire experience. “Most importantly, I think I wanted to go somewhere where, you know, maybe they haven’t been as good the past few years and were kind of on the rise. Kind of wanted to bring Texas back,” he said. This desire to contribute to the resurgence of a storied program speaks volumes about his character and ambition.
It’s clear that Manning has a vision for what he wants to achieve at Texas. With the Longhorns on the brink of greatness, he is poised to lead them to new heights. The excitement surrounding his potential is infectious, and fans are eager to see how he will embrace this challenge.
Performance and Potential
All told, Manning shined during limited action over the past two seasons. He has gone 63-of-95 passing (66.3%) for 969 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions. On the ground, he has 28 carries for 115 yards, four touchdowns, and an impressive 4.1 yards per carry. These statistics showcase his dual-threat capabilities and hint at the potential he brings to the Longhorns’ offense.
“You know, it wasn’t always easy being the backup, but I think it’s paid off. I won’t take it for granted, now that I get to play a little bit more,” Manning reflected. His patience and perseverance have prepared him for this moment, and now he is ready to shine.
The Future is Bright
The future is more than bright for Arch Manning. With the eyes of the college football world planted firmly on Texas in 2025, he has the opportunity to lead the Longhorns to glory. Time will tell if he can get them to the top of the mountain, but it’s evident this is what he’s been groomed for his whole life, and there’s no turning back.
As fans gear up for the new season, the excitement surrounding Manning is palpable. Will he be the catalyst that propels Texas back to national prominence? One thing is for sure: the Longhorns are ready for a new chapter, and Arch Manning is at the helm. The stage is set, and the countdown to kickoff has begun!
