Arch is finally the Man(ning) in Austin.
Texas starting quarterback Quinn Ewers declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft has cleared the path for Manning to be the Longhorns’ starting quarterback next season.
It’s possible next season will be Manning’s lone campaign as a starter before leaving for the NFL.
College and NFL fans alike have waited to see if the latest quarterback in the dynastic Manning lineage can live up to the expectations that come with being a top recruit and the nephew of NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning and potential Hall of Famer Eli Manning, and the grandson of Archie Manning.
Unlike most prospects, though, Manning barely played the last two seasons.
Manning, ESPN’s No. 5 prospect in the 2023 class, appeared in just two games and threw five passes while the Longhorns reached the College Football Playoff semifinals in his freshman year.
Despite the limited playing time behind Ewers, Manning stayed in Austin.
Texas utilized Manning more this season, with the sophomore appearing in 10 games and even starting a pair with Ewers sidelined with an oblique injury.
Manning completed 41 of 60 passes for 583 yards and four touchdowns, while throwing one interception across those starts. He also added a rushing score.
For the season, Manning tallied nine touchdown passes to two interceptions while completing 67.8 percent of his passes. He rushed 25 times for 108 yards and four touchdowns.
With Ewers healthy, Manning primarily helped in rushing situations. He rushed for a first down on a third-and-1 in the 28-14 loss to Ohio State in last week’s College Football Playoff semifinal.
Some wondered whether Manning would look to transfer this offseason, but he yet again affirmed his commitment to the Longhorns.
“I really have no plans on entering the portal or anything so I don’t really know about it, about the whole windows and everything,” he told Rivals before Texas played Arizona State in the CFP quarterfinals.
If Manning meets expectations, he figures to be one of the crown jewels of the 2026 draft class and perhaps could even be in play for the quarterback-needy Giants and Jets.
The 2026 quarterback class has been regarded higher than the 2025 crew, with Manning cited as a potential prize for tanking teams — unless he follows in Peyton and Eli’s footsteps and stays for his senior season.
