Andy Staples predicts Arch Manning will start a game for Texas in 2024

The conversation isn’t going anywhere when it comes to Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning at Texas. That’s certainly so considering, according to Andy Staples, the latter is going to see more snaps, regardless of how good the former is again as the starter.

Staples made 10 predictions for the upcoming season in college football during Tuesday’s episode of his show. Among them was a belief that Manning will get at least one start this year for the Longhorns. However, of all of them that he shared this morning, this one had complications as he wants Ewers to be healthy but realizes the time that he has missed over his two seasons there.

“This one I would prefer not to come true because I do not wish ill on any player,” said Staples. “I certainly don’t want Quinn Ewers to get hurt. But the reality is Quinn Ewers missed three games to injury in 2022. He missed two games to injury in 2023.”

With Ewers missing games in both of his years on The 40 Acres, Manning could be in line for more opportunity in 2024 if that trend were to continue if even once.

This is also a guess by Staples because what the duration of the season now looks like for contenders. To make a conference and national title game, you’re looking at around 16 games. That could unfortunately provide more chances for injuries, which could lead to even more emphasis on a position such as the backup quarterback.

“This is a broader point about how good is your backup quarterback if you’re a team that wants to compete for the national title? Because, if you do, it is a long season – a long, long season,” Staples noted. “The season that Texas wants to have? Texas wants to play for the SEC title, wants to win the national title. If you make the SEC title game and you wind up playing for the national title? Depending on whether you win or lose the SEC title game, you are either playing 16 or 17 games. You better be comfortable with your backup quarterback situation.”

The good thing for Texas is Manning is about as good of a QB2 option as there is nationally. Him and Ewers both were the top overall prospects in their respective recruiting classes and have either enough experience or potential to do what’s necessary. Not many other team playing for championships could necessarily say that – or at least not as confidently as the Longhorns could.

“That’s where Texas comes in because I think they’re probably more comfortable than anyone,” said Staples. “Quinn Ewers has missed time in each of his first two seasons as a starter to injury. If Quinn Ewers goes down, Steve Sarkisian seems completely comfortable with Arch Manning coming in and winning games.”

“Now, ask yourself this – how many other teams that aspire to win a national title feel that way? Does Alabama feel that way about bringing Ty Simpson in if Jalen Milroe gets hurt? Does Georgia feel that way about bringing in Jaden Rashada if Carson Beck gets hurt? Ohio State – is it one of the guys who has been on the roster? Is it Julian Sayin, the freshman? Air Noland, the freshman? If something happens with Will Howard?” Staples thought. “There are so many games if you are trying to win the national title. So how comfortable are you with your backup quarterback situation?”

Again, Texas’ hope is that Manning, as high on him as they are, never has to start over Ewers as it would likely mean another injury for him. Still, if necessary, he could come in and be capable of keeping the wheels on the road down on The 40 Acres.

“The bigger point is there’s not a lot of places where you feel that comfortable,” Staples said. “Arch Manning feels like the most comfortable you’d be in this situation.”

“How comfortable are you with your backup? Because this is going to be a long, long season if you aspire to win a national title,” said Staples. “Texas, I think, feels very comfortable with their quarterback room that, if they need to replace Quinn Ewers for any length of time, they’re good with Arch Manning.”