Arch Manning on playing time in 2024: 'Anything can happen'

As a freshman at Texas last year, Arch Manning found himself third on the depth chart behind Quinn Ewers and Maalik Murphy. He still made two appearances late in the year, though, including his college debut in a blowout victory over Texas Tech.

This year, Manning is the primary backup behind Ewers, who announced his return to Texas after last year’s College Football Playoff run. Murphy hit the transfer portal prior to the Sugar Bowl and committed to Duke, opening the door for the former Five Star Plus+ recruit to become QB2 in Austin.

As for how much playing time he expects, Manning said he’s getting ready for whatever’s thrown at him. With training camp quickly approaching, his focus is on improving his craft in case his number gets called.

“I feel like I’m getting better every day,” Manning said at the Manning Passing Academy held at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, La. “Just trying to stay ready. Anything can happen. I’m excited and I’m gonna be ready.”

Arch Manning arrived in Austin last year with plenty of anticipation as a Five Star Plus+ recruit, meaning he was one of the only players ranked by all four major recruiting media companies as a five star. The Isidore Newman (La.) product was the No. 1-ranked recruit from the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

But with Ewers back for Year 3 at Texas as he looks to improve his NFL Draft stock, Manning is looking at another year in a reserve role as he gets ready for his sophomore campaign. That might work out in his favor, though. Ewers recently said an extra season on the sidelines could prepare Manning that much more for the moment Steve Sarkisian hands him the keys to the offense.

“I think that he gains a lot,” Ewers told Robert Griffin III on RG3 and The Ones. “Not being from the state and coming in, and it’s obviously a little different. I think he’s got more time to grow his pride and love for the university. Obviously, he loves the university and loves the Longhorns. But kind of being able to sit back and watch, I think it’s different than playing. So him seeing what’s going on from inside, but also outside, I think that he can get a lot of intel from that.

“And then, obviously, another year to learn the offense and just get more comfortable within the smaller details. It’s, like, the best situation for him, I think.”

The Bengal Tiger’s Shea Dixon contributed to this report.