As the Texas Longhorns gear up for their final regular-season game against Texas A&M, all eyes are on freshman quarterback Arch Manning. After showcasing his skills earlier this season, fans are eager to see how he will perform as a full-time starter. However, the anticipation of his impact has been met with a mix of excitement and uncertainty.
Why isn’t Arch Manning starting today?
Despite the buzz surrounding Manning, he won’t be starting against Texas A&M. Currently, he is listed as Texas’ QB2 on the depth chart. The Longhorns have had their share of injuries at the quarterback position, which has opened up opportunities for Manning this season. He has stepped in during crucial moments, but his playing time has mostly been in a backup role.
Earlier this season, Manning had the chance to shine when he filled in as the starter due to injuries. In a dominant 51-3 victory over UL Monroe, he threw for 258 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Following that, he put up an impressive 325 passing yards and two touchdowns in a 35-13 win against Mississippi State. However, since then, his appearances have been limited to brief stints off the bench, including six passes in a loss to Georgia and another six in a win against Florida.
Who is Texas’ starting quarterback?
The Longhorns have relied on junior Quinn Ewers as their starting quarterback this season. Ewers has thrown for 2,089 yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions across nine games. He entered the 2024 season as the expected starter, and despite some injury concerns, he is anticipated to take the field against the Aggies. If head coach Steve Sarkisian determines that Ewers isn’t fully healthy, there might be an opportunity for Manning to step into a more prominent role against a ranked opponent.
While Manning has garnered a lot of attention and hype, Sarkisian has largely remained committed to Ewers throughout the campaign. The competition for the starting job has been fierce, but for now, Ewers holds the reins of the Longhorns’ offense.
Arch Manning’s season so far
So far this season, Manning has accumulated 939 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions. His contributions have been notable, but many fans are left wondering when he will get the chance to lead the team as a full-time starter. With Texas set to face Texas A&M, the question remains: will Manning finally get the nod?
Texas QB depth chart
| Rank | Player |
| 1 | Quinn Ewers |
| 2 | Arch Manning |
| 3 | Trey Owens |
No. 1: Quinn Ewers
Ewers has been the Longhorns’ starting quarterback for three seasons, amassing a total of 60 passing touchdowns during his tenure at Texas. As the team aims for a spot in the College Football Playoff, Ewers will be under center, barring any injuries. His experience and leadership are crucial as the Longhorns navigate the challenges of the season.
No. 2: Arch Manning
Manning made the decision to commit to Texas knowing he might have to wait for his chance behind Ewers. As the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch is viewed as the next big star in college football. While he may not be starting now, his opportunity to take the helm could come sooner than expected, possibly as early as next season. For the time being, he is focused on learning and developing his skills from the sidelines.
No. 3: Trey Owens
Freshman Trey Owens is the only other quarterback on the roster to have thrown a pass this season. A former four-star recruit, Owens finds himself behind the talented duo of Ewers and Manning on the depth chart. His role has been limited, but he provides valuable depth as the Longhorns look to secure their postseason aspirations.
Looking ahead to the Texas A&M matchup
As the Longhorns prepare for their showdown with Texas A&M, the quarterback situation remains a hot topic. Fans are eager to see if Manning will get a chance to showcase his talents against a formidable opponent. The anticipation is palpable, and the stakes are high as Texas aims to finish the regular season strong.
With the potential for Manning to step in if Ewers isn’t at full strength, the Longhorns’ quarterback situation is one to watch closely. Will Manning finally get his moment in the spotlight? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the excitement surrounding Arch Manning is far from over. The future of Texas football is bright, and fans are eager to see how this talented young quarterback will shape the program in the years to come.
