The Texas Longhorns delivered an impressive 13-3 season in 2024, cementing their status as one of college football’s top teams. However, their success was overshadowed by ongoing debates about the quarterback position. Despite fans urging head coach Steve Sarkisian to start Arch Manning over Quinn Ewers, Sarkisian stuck with Ewers as the starter. Even when Manning excelled in two starts while Ewers was sidelined with an oblique injury, Sarkisian remained committed to his quarterback. The season ended with Texas falling just one game short of the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Now, with Ewers deciding to forgo a reported $6 million transfer offer and declare for the NFL Draft, the spotlight officially shifts to Arch Manning. The highly-anticipated “Manning era” is set to begin in Austin, a move that Fox analyst Joel Klatt celebrated on a recent episode of The Joel Klatt Show.
“I’ve got Texas at No. 2,” Klatt said, unveiling his top-10 rankings. “It’s officially Arch Manning time in Austin. This is so rare in college football, and Steve Sarkisian is going to benefit immensely from the patience of a young player and his family. Manning spent two years learning and developing under Sarkisian, and now, the offense will evolve to capitalize on his unique skill set.”
Klatt emphasized Manning’s mobility as a game-changer for Sarkisian’s offense. While the young quarterback got limited reps as a wildcat option late in the season, his athleticism promises to address Texas’ biggest weakness: red-zone efficiency. The Longhorns ranked a disappointing No. 100 in red-zone scoring, converting points just 79% of the time. Manning’s ability to extend plays with his legs and attack defenses vertically could transform the team’s offensive dynamics.
Unlike many players in today’s transfer-driven landscape, Manning resisted the urge to leave despite limited opportunities. His decision to stay and develop under Sarkisian reflects his commitment to the program. As the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch is ready to write his own legacy in Austin.
