Bruce Feldman shares optimism Texas coaches have for Arch Manning

Texas starting quarterback Quin Ewers likely returning to Austin next season means another season that Longhorns’ fans will be deprived of seeing Arch Manning under center for the burnt orange.

Manning was the former No. 1 overall prospect for the 2023 recruiting class and the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, bringing tons of hype and excitement to the Lone Star State upon his arrival on campus this year. And according to college football insider Bruce Feldman, Manning has been living up to that hype within the Longhorns’ facility.

“From everything I heard the staff really likes Arch Manning,” Feldman said recently on ‘The Rich Eisen Show.’ “The consistency is a challenge right now, it’s up and down, but he’s a young quarterback.”

Arch Manning served as the team’s third-string quarterback this season behind Ewers and Maalik Murphy. But with Murphy set to enter the transfer portal, he’ll likely serve as the team’s backup quarterback during the College Football Playoff and next season.

Regardless, there’s no question that people want to see what Manning brings to the table, only playing a limited amount of snaps in Texas’ regular season finale. But Feldman believes that Manning waiting his turn behind Ewers may be the best option for the young, coveted passer.

“I mean what’s the best thing for his development?” Feldman asked. “When you knew you’re sending him from there [Isidore Newman High School] it wasn’t like the level of competition he was facing in high school was like he was playing Mater Dei or [St. John] Bosco’s schedule out here where they’re playing the best of the best in high school.”

Manning played high school football at the 2A level, not seeing the strongest level of competition. With that in mind, him taking his time in his development as the Longhrons jump to the SEC next season may be the best plan for Manning despite many wanting to see him play as soon as possible.

“I think they have to be savvy enough to sit there and go okay, what’s the best thing long term? Because if you throw somebody into a situation because you want it right now, that’s probably gonna be the detriment,” Feldman explained. “If you believe in Steve Sarkisian, and he’s a terrific play caller and he’s been proven to be really really good with college quarterbacks, ride it out. Learn behind Ewers, I think they’re only gonna keep recruiting better and better after this playoff run.”

Patience at the quarterback position is not as popular in today’s game of college football, especially with the prominence of the transfer portal and the stakes of playing at the NFL level. But the Longhorns being patient with Manning in the early stages of his career could be the best for the player and the program despite outside pressure and expectations.

“Is it that big of a rush? Lord knows they don’t need the money, so just ride the development part of it out. I mean could he get on the field someplace else next year if Ewers comes back? Of course he could play someplace else, but is that ultimately the best thing for him? I mean look, far be it from you to give advice to the Mannings about quarterbacks,” Feldman concluded.