Eli Manning responds to whether Arch Manning should transfer with Quinn Ewers’ return to Texas

During an appearance on the “Zach Gelb Show,” former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning was asked about his nephew Arch Manning’s future at Texas. Eli’s words were music to Texas’ fans ears.

“He picked Texas because that’s where he wants to be,” Eli Manning said. “That’s where he wants to play football. He likes coach [Steve] Sarkisian and his offense and what they’re doing. He knew last year that he was gonna go, he was gonna redshirt, get some playing time.

“Obviously, I think the plan was [Quinn] Ewers would maybe go in the NFL, but he’s there. It’s another year for for Arch to mature, learn the offense, get bigger and stronger in the weight room, and always be prepared to play. You never know what’s gonna happen.”

Arch Manning was the No. 1 overall recruit in the Class of 2023. However, he was just another quarterback in Texas’ loaded QB room this season. Manning was the Longhorns’ third-string QB behind Ewers and Maalik Murphy.

Manning only appeared in one game for Texas this season. He completed 2-of-his-5 passes for 30 yards in the Longhorns’ 57-7 win over in-state rival Texas Tech. He also recorded three carries for seven yards in the victory.

Arch Manning clears the air

Ahead of Texas’ matchup against Washington in the Sugar Bowl, Manning confirmed he had no interest in the transfer portal.

“Obviously there’s always rumors, especially nowadays,” Manning said. “I haven’t looked into transferring at all. I’m just focused on developing and helping this team any way I can and hopefully one day playing for the University of Texas like I’ve always wanted to.”

After Texas’ regular season concluded, Murphy transferred to Duke. The move instantly made Manning No. 2 at quarterback on the Longhorns’ depth chart. Head coach Steve Sarkisian was confident with Manning as the team’s backup.

“Arch is the backup for this game,” Sarkisian said. “He’s more than capable than playing really good football for us. I think the opportunity he had to play here against Tech showed what he’s capable of.

“We’ll get him prepared to play,” Sarkisian said. “I joked with him the other day like ‘You’re not really a freshman anymore. This is your sophomore year now. So, what would it look like going into your sophomore year and preparing to play?’ That’s what we’re doing.”

With an offseason to grow, Manning will be a legitimate second-year quarterback in the 2024 campaign. If Ewers happens to go down, Manning will be there to step up.