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Redshirt freshman Arch Manning was called upon this season to make the first two starts of his college career while filling in for an injured Quinn Ewers.
In that time, he’s impressed! The Texas Longhorns signal caller picked up a win in his debut against Louisiana-Monroe before landing his first SEC victory over Mississippi State.
Across those starts, Manning compiled a stat line totaling 583 yards and four touchdown passes. He added production with his feet, too, showing off some unexpected dual-threat abilities under center.
🚨@ArchManning 67-yards to the 🏠
The @TexasFootball QB makes a defender miss & clocks 20.7 MPH to the end zone💨
Will the #HookEm star crack our Top 5 Fastest Players this week? #ReelSpeed pic.twitter.com/rx4yapV2W3
— Reel Analytics (@RAanalytics) September 15, 2024
While it wasn’t always smooth sailing, he largely lived up to his five-star billing.
That said, his time as the starter always had an expiration date.
Quinn Ewers nearly led the Longhorns to a national title game appearance in 2023. He’s continued his on-field dominance this season.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian commented on Ewers’ rehab as Texas moves into its bye week.
“I think he’s been making steady progress one day to the next, which is a good sign,” he said. “We haven’t had any setbacks. It’s been steady progress. I think he’s getting stronger and more comfortable and more confident, and so we’ll just kind of stay the course with that.”
Ewers was a gametime decision before being scratched last week. So long as there aren’t any setbacks moving forward, he should be available for a Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma.
It seems Arch Manning sees the writing on the wall. He reflected on his time under center with a recent post on Instagram.
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“Fun few weeks,” a caption read as the signal caller posted a series of photos from his time on the field.
It’s been fun, but it could be coming to an end! At least through season’s end.
While Manning might take a backseat in this particular instance, that starting gig should be his for the taking in 2025.