Arch Manning update: Steve Sarkisian sets Texas QB expectations during NFL Combine appearance

Steve Sarkisian is in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine, supporting Quinn Ewers. But the guy replacing Ewers is pretty difficult to keep out of conversation. Arch Manning is taking over as Texas‘ starting quarterback for the 2025 season, with expectations quite high.

Manning spent two years on the bench, mainly learning behind Ewers. Some playing time did emerge earlier in the season but for the most part, Manning was watching from the sidelines. Sarkisian believes the experience will wind up helping out his new starter after watching Ewers go through all kinds of obstacles.

“I’m excited for Arch,” Sarkisian said via the NFL Network. “I feel like his progression has been perfect. A chance for a couple years to be with Quinn and to A, learn who we are systematically. But B, just to watch how Quinn has handled things. Quinn’s journey was not the smoothest, right? There was injuries and how he responded to those. At Texas, if you don’t go 30-for-30 with five touchdowns, everyone’s going to point to the one or two incompletions and all that stuff. But how Quinn handled it, I think, was good for Arch.”

As valuable as the off-field experience is for Manning, Sarkisian did point out how well he performed when Texas needed the backup. Five shy of 100 passing attempts throughout his career, Manning has thrown for 969 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions. Twenty-eight carries have resulted in 108 yards and four scores as well.

The time to turn the chapter has come, though. Preparation for the 2025 season is underway for Manning and the entire Texas roster. Sarkisian knows he has a true leader at quarterback as everyone buys into what is ahead.

“We’re watching him in winter workouts and offseason stuff really becoming the leader of the team, like the quarterback has to be,” Sarkisian said. “And he has such a great personality that I think his teammates really respond to him, the coaches have started to respond to him. So I think things are off to a really good start for him.”

Manning will officially begin his tenure in quite the venue. Texas travels to Columbus for a showdown against the reigning national championship, the Ohio State Buckeyes. Everybody will be expecting quite a lot from No. 16 not just in that game but throughout a year where Texas is once again considered a serious College Football Playoff threat.