Arch Manning reflects on the experience of Texas making College Football Playoff

Arch Manning is still biding his time to become Texas’ starting quarterback, but he won’t forget last year’s College Football Playoff experience.

Manning is expected to take over the Longhorns under center at some point, but he’ll continue to develop and help teammate Quinn Ewers. The former five-star prospect is certainly thankful to see big-time football during his first year on campus.

As for 2024? It could be a deeper run for Texas whether Manning ends up starting at some point or not.

“That was really exciting for me just getting back to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans where I’m from,” Manning said. “So we got to spend the week there and practice there. It was fun. Obviously we fell a little short, but it was overall a really cool experience.”

Having the game slow down for him is where Manning worked this offseason. Manning knows his job is to deliver balls to the players head coach Steve Sarkisian has sprinkled throughout the Texas offense. While he has the capability of making a play on his own, letting others do their job was the next step forward.

“Not trying to make too many plays on our own,” Manning said. “Just let the offense come to me, get it in the playmaker’s hands and just trying to get better each day.”

Manning only got two playing opportunities last season, both coming late in the year. Texas was up big against Texas Tech in the season finale, allowing the true freshman to run the offense. And then Manning’s second appearance came in the Big 12 Championship against Oklahoma State.

As a member of the Class of 2023, Manning was a five-star recruit out of New Orleans (La.) Isidore Newman, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 1 overall prospect in the state, the No. 1 quarterback in the class and the No. 1 overall prospect in the class.

If he’s not already, Manning will likely be the most discussed backup quarterback in college football next season. On3’s Andy Staples has even pegged him to start a game at some point during the 2024 season as Texas works toward a second consecutive College Football Playoff appearance.

Making sure improvements came was critical, no matter the playing time scenario. It sounds like mission accomplished for Manning just a few weeks before training camp begins.

Griffin McVeigh contributed to this story