Arch Manning sheds redshirt status to lead Texas football.

Arch Manning sheds redshirt status to lead Texas football.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Arch Manning prepares to pass the ball during Texas’ game against UTSA on Sept. 14.

When redshirt freshman quarterback Arch Manning stepped onto the field during 2024-2025 season, the crowd’s excitement was palpable.

 

Now, with junior quarterback Quinn Ewers declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft, Manning is poised to take over as the starting quarterback for Texas after two seasons, taking his part in the storied tradition of elite quarterbacks in Austin.

 

The buzz surrounding Manning was evident during his relief appearance against UTSA on Sept. 14. His first pass of the season was a 40-yard deep ball to sophomore wide receiver Johntay Cook II.

There has always been something special about a ball hanging in the air for a few quiet seconds before a receiver catches it — then, cue the cheers. Those types of plays have become a notable part of Manning’s early career. For his first significant action against Louisiana-Monroe on Sept. 21, Manning threw a 56-yard pass to junior wide receiver Isaiah Bond on third-and-1 and followed it up with a 46-yard pass to junior wide receiver Matthew Golden on third-and-10.

 

In his second start, Manning threw two touchdown passes of 49 and 27 yards to sophomore wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr., while completing seven out of eight third-down attempts for 106 yards.

 

Manning’s skill set extends beyond his arm. He also showed impressive speed, recording a 67-yard touchdown run against UTSA, where he was also recorded moving at 20.7 mph. His goal-line abilities were also on full display in a key moment against Texas A&M, when Manning entered on a fourth-and-2 to score a 15-yard touchdown that sent the burnt orange crowd at College Station into a frenzy.

 

By the end of his second year at Texas, Manning had nine touchdowns and 939 yards. He made two starts and significantly improved his completion percentage, going from 51.7 against ULM to 83.9 against Mississippi State on Sept. 28.

 

Behind Manning, the Longhorns’ quarterback room remains strong, with freshman Trey Owens, KJ Lacey and 2026 recruit Dia Bell waiting in the wings to continue Texas’ rich heritage at the position.

 

Four-star prospect Lacey was the first commitment in Texas’ 2025 class and signed with Texas on Dec. 4. Bell has been committed to Texas since June 2024, and he is a five-star commit and is the top-ranked recruit in Florida.

 

But with Ewers leaving the program one game shy of a national championship appearance in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Texas fans have their eyes fixed on Manning. Watchers will be vigilant on Aug. 30, when the Longhorns open their season in a rematch against reigning national champion, Ohio State.