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Steve Sarkisian Makes Major Arch Manning Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Kevin Matthew Borba | Last updated Feb 20, 2025 11:45 AM ET

The Texas Longhorns have had the most famous backup in college football over the past two seasons in Arch Manning.

He is the grandson of Saints legend Archie Manning, and nephew of Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning. While he came into Texas as the No. 1 recruit in the country, he was forced to wait his turn behind another former top quarterback recruit in Quinn Ewers.

This past season, Manning did register a couple of starts when Ewers injured his oblique, but it wasn't his team just yet. However, following Texas' loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff Semifinal game at the Cotton Bowl, Ewers declared for the NFL draft. A move that meant it is Manning's team in Austin.

Something that head coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed on Thursday while appearing on the "Up & Adams" show with Kay Adams. After saying it'd be "tough" to not name him the starter, Sarkisian went ahead and did just that.

"We're in a good spot to have a pretty good football team," Sarkisian said. "And it's gonna be even better knowing he's (Arch Manning) gonna be the guy."

In a limited role this season, Manning threw for 939 yards with nine touchdowns, while completing 67.8% of his passes. He also rushed for 108 yards and four touchdowns, earning himself a role as a wildcat quarterback down the stretch for the Longhorns

Although many fans wanted Sarkisian to turn to him full time, the head coach rode with Ewers for the entire year. While Manning likely would have loved to play, he undoubtedly learned some valuable lessons while sitting behind Ewers.

As for Manning's first game as the official starter, it will come against the defending champion Ohio State Buckeyes on Aug. 30.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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