Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

Texas HC tight-lipped on whether or not Arch Manning will play against Rice

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Aug 31, 2023 10:08 PM ET

Quarterback Quinn Ewers will be the starter for the Texas Longhorns this Saturday when they kick their 2023 season off against the Rice Owls. That much is certain.

With a spread of -35 in the Longhorns' favor and temperatures expected to reach triple digits in Austin, is there a chance head coach Steve Sarkisian will let Ewers get his reps in before pulling him in favor of one of his two backups?

Former five-star recruit (No. 1 overall in his class) Arch Manning is on the depth chart as is talented redshirt freshman Maalik Murphy. Texas fans are likely salivating at the chance to watch Manning, even in a potential blowout, and it makes just as sense for Sarkisian to get Murphy playing time too so Texas can see what it has in the young man.

While Sarkisian did reveal that he's planning on getting much of his depth chart playing time against Rice because of the heat, he wouldn't specifically commit to playing Manning or Murphy.

Steve Sarkisian says a lot of the two-deep will get looks Saturday against Rice due to the heat expected at DKR.

Backup QBs will play only “if the opportunity presents itself” during the game.
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_TFB) August 31, 2023

He also played coy when asked which of the two quarterbacks was No. 2 behind Ewers. Manning and Murphy have been battling for that spot during fall camp, and the answer as to who will come off the bench in replacement of Ewers is still unknown.

Steve Sarkisian was asked if one of Maalik Murphy or Arch Manning separated themselves as the No. 2 quarterback.

"We'll find out."
— Joe Cook (@josephcook89) August 31, 2023

One would imagine that Sarkisian will play his backup quarterbacks if/when the game gets out of hand, but how would Longhorns Nation feel about Murphy coming off the bench first ahead of Manning?

It's not likely to be the most interesting game, but there will certainly be drama in Austin the moment Sarkisian decides to pull his starters.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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