Arch Manning reveals why Texas was perfect fit for him

Even if he had to bide his time to become the unquestioned starting quarterback at Texas, Arch Manning knows he made the right decision to join the Longhorns, and stick with the program heading into 2025.

As Quinn Ewers moves on to the NFL, it’ll be the Manning show for Texas as they begin a new crusade this coming season. The college football world got a little taste of what that’s like this past season, as the star quarterback played sparingly when Ewers was hurt in 2024, but it’ll be Manning’s time to ascend for the Longhorns now.

During an interview with ESPN’s Marty Smith, Manning took some time to elaborated on what Texas means to him, and why it was the perfect fit for his college football career. He had no shortage of options, but the Longhorns stood above the rest.

“There are a few reasons. I liked Coach Sark [Steve Sarkisian] a lot from the jump. Austin was a good spot for me. There’s so much to do here,” Manning told Smith. “And then, most importantly, I think I wanted to go somewhere where, you know, maybe they haven’t been as good the past few years, and were kind of on the rise. Kind of wanted to bring Texas back.”

Over the past couple of seasons, Texas has been one of the final four teams remaining, but they haven’t been able to get to the national title. Perhaps Manning will help them get over the hump. Even though he’s had every opportunity to enter the transfer portal and start somewhere else, he’s elected to stay, and now it’s finally his time.

“I think mostly because I liked being here,” Manning added, regarding why he stayed with the Longhorns through thick and thin. “Austin’s great. I have a bunch of friends. I like my teammates. I like my friends outside of football. So, there wasn’t really any reason to leave, because I wanted to be here.

“You know, it wasn’t always easy being the backup, but I think it’s paid off. I won’t take it for granted, now that I get to play a little bit more.”

All told, Manning shined during limited action over the past two seasons. He’s gone 63-of-95 passing (66.3%) for 969 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions. On the ground, he has 28 carries for 115 yards, four touchdowns and 4.1 yards per carry.

The future is more than bright for Arch Manning, and the eyes of the college football world will be planted on Texas in 2025 with him as their quarterback. Time will tell if he can get them to the top of the mountain, but it’s evident this is what he’s been groomed for his whole life, and there’s no turning back.