The Texas Longhorns’ recent domination of the Oklahoma Sooners in the annual Red River Rivalry left fans talking, but not just about the lopsided win. Instead, a considerable amount of buzz centered around the absence of one high-profile player: Arch Manning. The highly-touted freshman quarterback, carrying one of the most famous last names in football, has been the subject of a heated debate among fans and analysts alike. Questions abound as to why Manning has yet to see meaningful playing time and what his absence could mean for the future of the Texas program.
Arch Manning arrived at Texas with unprecedented hype, a five-star recruit and the latest in the Manning football dynasty that includes Hall of Famers Peyton and Eli. As the nephew of two NFL legends and the grandson of Archie Manning, expectations for Arch were sky-high before he ever stepped onto campus. His decision to commit to Texas was seen as a monumental win for head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns’ recruiting efforts. Fans hoped that Manning would be the next transformative quarterback to lead Texas back to national prominence.
However, since the start of the season, Manning has not taken a single snap in a regular-season game. Texas has instead relied on Quinn Ewers, a former top recruit in his own right, to lead the offense. While Ewers has delivered strong performances, including a standout game against Oklahoma, Manning’s absence from the field has become a point of contention for many fans, especially as the Longhorns continue their push for a Big 12 championship.
Quinn Ewers has cemented himself as the starting quarterback for the Longhorns this season, and it’s hard to argue with the results. Against Oklahoma, Ewers put on a clinic, showcasing his arm strength, accuracy, and command of the offense. The Texas offense looked fluid and dynamic, consistently moving the ball against a Sooners defense that had been one of the best in the conference. It was a statement win that solidified Texas as a legitimate contender, and Ewers played a significant role in that success.
But as Ewers shines, the spotlight remains on Manning’s status. Some fans believe that Manning’s potential and upside make him too valuable to leave on the bench for an entire season. Others argue that the luxury of having a proven quarterback like Ewers is a positive for Texas, giving Manning time to develop without the immediate pressure of leading the team. In the modern era of college football, where player mobility and transfers are common, the debate is not just about playing time—it’s about how to manage the roster in a way that keeps top talent engaged and committed to the program.
The debate around Arch Manning’s absence is also a reflection of the high expectations placed on him from the moment he committed to Texas. Unlike most true freshmen, Manning has been under a microscope since high school, with fans eager to see how he would adapt to the collegiate level. His name alone draws comparisons to his uncles’ illustrious careers, making it difficult to separate hype from realistic expectations.
Steve Sarkisian has emphasized a long-term approach with Manning, focusing on his development rather than rushing him into action. Sarkisian’s strategy suggests that he is content to ride the wave of Ewers’ success this season, allowing Manning to learn and grow in the background. The Texas head coach has stressed that every player’s journey is different and that Manning’s time will come when he is ready.
“Arch is working hard, learning every day, and he’s been a great teammate,” Sarkisian said in a recent interview. “We believe in his potential, and when the time is right, he’ll get his chance. Right now, our focus is on winning games, and Quinn gives us the best chance to do that.”
In an era where the NCAA transfer portal has reshaped the landscape of college football, the possibility of players transferring looms over every position battle, especially at quarterback. The debate around Manning’s playing time is tinged with the underlying fear that he could decide to leave Texas if he doesn’t see the field soon. For Texas fans, the concern is losing a generational talent before he ever truly suits up in burnt orange.
Manning himself has not given any indication that he is unhappy with his role or that he’s considering a transfer. All reports suggest that he has embraced his time learning under Ewers and is fully committed to the program. However, in college football’s current climate, fans are acutely aware of how quickly situations can change. Many wonder if Sarkisian’s decision to keep Manning on the sidelines this season might have long-term implications for the team’s quarterback room.
The debate over Arch Manning’s role this season speaks to a broader challenge faced by many top programs: balancing immediate success with the development of future stars. For Texas, the choice to lean on a seasoned quarterback like Ewers makes sense as they chase a Big 12 title and a potential spot in the College Football Playoff. Ewers has the experience and poise that come with having already played a full season in the system, making him the logical choice for a team with championship aspirations.
However, the challenge for Sarkisian and his coaching staff will be to ensure that Manning continues to develop and remains engaged with the program. The decision to keep him on the bench now could pay dividends if it allows him to become a more complete quarterback by the time he eventually takes over the starting job. In the meantime, fans must grapple with the uncertainty of how long Texas can keep both Ewers and Manning on the same roster.
As the season progresses, the focus will remain on how Texas navigates its quarterback situation. For now, the team is thriving with Ewers at the helm, and the hope is that Manning’s patience and development will ultimately lead to a smooth transition when his time comes. The Longhorns are well-positioned for a successful season, but the shadow of Arch Manning looms large over the program’s future.
Texas fans are eager to see Manning eventually live up to the hype that surrounded his recruitment, but they will have to wait a little longer to see him in action. In the meantime, the debate over his role and future at Texas is likely to continue, fueled by the passion and expectations that come with being a part of one of college football’s most storied programs.
As Texas moves forward, the story of Arch Manning’s absence is a reminder of the delicate balancing act required to build a winning program while nurturing young talent. The Longhorns have a bright present and a promising future, but managing that future will require careful decisions and an understanding of the pressures that come with the territory. For now, Texas fans can only hope that both Ewers’ success and Manning’s potential will align to bring lasting success to Austin.