Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian breaks his silence on Arch Manning’s development.
In 2024, the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma will join the Southeastern Conference. As such, they are likely to compete in the newly expanded College Football Playoff.
In 2024, Quinn Ewers is the Longhorns’ starting quarterback, but Arch Manning, a highly touted recruit, is in the wings. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian, on the other hand, discussed Manning’s growth during an appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show.”
“We’ve seen a tremendous amount of development in Arch,” Sarkisian stated. “We are confident that if and when he plays, he will play well for us. But I also believe they understand the process of developing himself into a championship-caliber quarterback in the SEC and on the national stage while also preparing and positioning himself for the National Football League.”
It’s not unexpected that Manning starts the season as a backup. Quinn Ewers had a solid 2023 season. During the regular season, the Texas quarterback threw for 3,161 yards and 21 touchdowns, propelling his team to the College Football Playoffs.
Additionally, Ewers was named to the Manning Award Watch list this summer.
Sarkisian did mention that the coaching staff is comfortable with Manning seeing game action, so it would be interesting to see whether he gets it in 2024.
Manning appeared in one game last year, against Texas Tech, and completed two of his five passes. With Maalik Murphy transferring to Duke, Manning is now the top backup for the Longhorns.
Before starting SEC play, the Longhorns face Colorado State at home, Michigan on the road, and UTSA and Louisiana-Monroe at home.
If either of those games end in blowouts, Arch Manning could see some playing time.
