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Joel Klatt Makes Arch Manning Declaration After 'Rare' College Football Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Kevin Matthew Borba | Last updated Jan 23, 2025 10:57 PM ET

Although the Texas Longhorns were one of the best teams in college football in 2024, their season was constantly plagued with discussions regarding a quarterback battle.

The Longhorns ultimately finished the season 13-3, falling one game short of making it to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Even with the success, fans clamored for Arch Manning to supersede Quinn Ewers as the starting quarterback.

It was a move that head coach Steve Sarkisian refused to make, even after Manning shined in two starts with Ewers out with an oblique injury. However, following Ewers' decision to turn down a reported $6 million to transfer and enter his name into the NFL Draft, it is officially Manning time in Austin. Something that Fox's Joel Klatt proclaimed in a recent episode of the "Joel Klatt Show."

"I've got Texas at No. 2," Klatt said when revealing his top 10 rankings. "It's officially Arch Manning time in Austin. This is so rare in college football and Steve Sarkisian is going to be the benefactor of an incredible amount of patience from a young player and his family. He was able to sit and develop and learn for two years under Steve Sarkisian. And now, that offense is going to look a little bit different because of his skill set running the football."

Klatt also highlighted the fact that Manning's ability to use his legs opens up the offense even more for an elite play-caller like Sarkisian. Although Manning didn't replace Ewers this season, he did get some action as a wildcat quarterback in the team's final few games.

His rushing ability should also help put an end to the team's abysmal red-zone offense. The Longhorns ranked No. 100 in red zone scores, as they put up points just 79% of the time. Manning is also a fearless passer who is willing to push the ball down the field, which Ewers seemed hesitant to do.

In an era where players leave right away when things don't go as planned, the nephew of Peyton and Eli stuck it out.

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

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