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Arch Manning’s Texas Future Receives Major Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Spencer Ostrow | Last updated Jan 15, 2025 11:59 AM ET

Texas Longhorns backup quarterback Arch Manning was a major talking point all season, with fans repeatedly calling for him to take over the starting job from Quinn Ewers, who has held the position for the past three years.

Those conversations continued during Texas’ 28-14 loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff semifinals last Friday.

Many argued during the game that Manning could have been the difference-maker and were both surprised by and disagreed with head coach Steve Sarkisian’s decision not to use him in a huge moment. Late in the game, with Texas trailing by seven and facing 1st-and-goal at the 1-yard line, Sarkisian stuck with Ewers and ran with his running backs instead of turning to Manning for a quarterback run.

Fast forward to Wednesday, and the calls for Manning to take over as the starter are set to end. Ewers took to social media to officially announce his decision to leave Texas and declare for the 2025 NFL Draft.

pic.twitter.com/V5H8sJbaWM
— Quinn Ewers (@QuinnEwers) January 15, 2025

With Ewers' decision, Manning is next in line to lead Sarkisian's team into the 2025 college football season — and potentially beyond.

Manning, who joined the Longhorns as a highly touted recruit, will be a redshirt sophomore when he takes the field next. Though many project him as a future top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, ESPN’s "College GameDay" analyst Pat McAfee shared insight from Manning’s family back in September, revealing they prefer a patient approach to his development.

"Arch Manning wants to be in the program for four years," McAfee said. "He wants to develop. There is no rush to get in the NFL."

If that plan holds, Manning could lead the Longhorns for at least two more seasons.

As for Ewers, he leaves behind an impressive legacy in helping Texas return back to prominence. In his college career, Ewers guided Texas to two College Football Playoff semifinals, a Big 12 championship and an SEC Championship Game appearance.

He finishes his time in Austin with 9,128 passing yards, 68 touchdowns and 24 interceptions.

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

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