Manning intends to 'bring Texas back'

Quarterback Arch Manning is eager to lead Texas after waiting his turn behind Quinn Ewers over the past two seasons.

"I haven't really played much, so I guess it really hasn't started," Manning said in an interview with ESPN's Marty Smith. "It's been fun. I've enjoyed it. I've learned a lot. I love my coaches. I love my teammates. I'm ready to get it rolling."

Manning, a redshirt sophomore next fall, is expected to assume the reigns of Texas' offense next season after Ewers declared for the 2025 NFL Draft earlier in January.

Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have steadily re-established themselves as a top contender for a national title. Texas won the 2023 Big 12 championship in its final year in the conference and competed for the SEC title this past season.

Manning pointed to his admiration for Sarkisian and the program's rising stock as his main reasons for joining the Longhorns after high school.

"I wanted to bring Texas back," Manning said.

Manning - nephew of Hall of Famer Peyton Manning and two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning - redshirted in 2023 but got his first taste of life as a starter when Ewers went down with an injury in 2024.

Manning passed for 223 yards and four touchdowns in relief of Ewers against UTSA. The 19-year-old earned his first collegiate start the following week against Louisiana-Monroe but described his play in the contest as "greedy" to Smith, throwing two touchdowns and two interceptions in the blowout win. Manning bounced back the following game by completing 83% of his passes for 325 yards, two TDs, and no INTs.

Manning picked his grandfather and namesake, Archie, when asked which family member his game best resembles, citing their ability to use their legs and arms at the position.

Despite carrying a famous last name and being considered one of the more popular collegiate stars in the country, Manning said he isn't concerned about establishing his legacy.

"I'm just worried about playing ball and winning games," he said.

Manning is expected to be the focal point of a roster that returns Ryan Wingo and DeAndre Moore on offense next season.