Brady Cook believes Arch Manning staying at Texas is the right move after rooming with him

The Manning Passing Academy presents quarterbacks across the country with unique opportunities. For a few days over the summer in Louisiana, they all get to interact with one another. Not too often does the top crop of college players hang out in a similar setting.

Friendships and relationships can be built down there. Missouri‘s Brady Cook and Texas‘ Arch Manning may be the latest example, with the two apparently being roommates.

“I was able to room with Arch down at the Manning Passing Academy,” Cook said Tuesday at SEC Media Days. “So we had some great conversations, and I just love how he’s handled everything. He’s smart, man. He’s a smart dude. He’s a good dude.”

Cook was not as highly rated out of high school as Manning but went through a similar early-career path as the Texas backup. He was not the Missouri full-time starter until his third year on campus as a redshirt sophomore. The only reason Cook is back for the 2024 season is because of COVID-19 eligibility rules.

Results have been beneficial, now leading a Tigers team hoping to compete for the College Football Playoff. Improving upon a season of 3,317 yards, 21 touchdowns, and six touchdowns will be tough for Cook but something he expects to do.

Manning will once again sit behind Quinn Ewers this season as Texas transitions into the SEC. Last season was as the third-string, with Maalik Murphy still being on the 40 Acres. Now at Duke, Manning assumes the role of the backup.

Entering his name into the NCAA transfer portal could have been quite easy and normal in today’s college football world. You have to believe a handful of big-time programs would come calling and let Manning be the starter.

Instead, taking another year to learn under Steve Sarkisian is the route Manning has taken. Cook agrees with the decision, believing it will ultimately pay off in the long term.

“I think he’s doing the right thing,” Cook said. “He’s learning so much from Quinn right now, and he’s already so talented. He already has so much knowledge of the game. His mentors, we don’t even have to go through that list. So he’s already so smart. He’s in a great spot. For him to be able to learn from Quinn for another year, bounce ideas off of him, collaborate together and play together, that’s huge for him.”