Texas lists Maalik Murphy 'or' Arch Manning as starting quarterback on depth chart

Throughout this week as Texas prepared to take on BYU, it seemed like Maalik Murphy was in line to get the start in place of an injured Quinn Ewers. Steve Sarkisian said as much earlier this week, naming Murphy the starter for the matchup.

However, Texas’ depth chart showed it might not be that cut and dry.

The Longhorns listed Murphy “or” Arch Manning as the QB1 against BYU on the flip card, according to Inside Texas’ Joe Cook. Murphy has been Ewers’ primary backup all year after winning the QB2 job over Manning during spring practice and fall camp.

FWIW, the flip card says OR pic.twitter.com/Bso2MQ922g

— Joe Cook (@josephcook89) October 28, 2023

Sarkisian said there have been talks about playing Manning at some point to get the former Five Star Plus+ recruit some game action, but he added no decisions were made.

“I haven’t made a decision if I want to get Arch in there just to get him in there or not, but we have discussed that some,” Sarkisian said. “Because I do think there’s some valuable experience for him in that, but I have to make sure that’s in the best interest of the team, and I have to make sure that the team comes first in everything that we do, but I do see the value in something like that. I’m just not ready to make that call, yet.”

What Texas could get out of Maalik Murphy against BYU

Murphy had a strong showing during the spring game, completing 9 of 13 passes for 165 yards and a touchdown. There was speculation about whether he could enter the transfer portal and be a starter somewhere, but he ultimately chose to stay at Texas.

Saturday could be his chance to get the start in a Longhorns uniform, and Sarkisian said that was the plan during a Thursday press conference.

“Maalik (Murphy) is going to start Saturday,” Sarkisian said.

As for what he expects out of Murphy, Sarkisian said he wants him to play his game and run the offense at a high level. He doesn’t expect perfection, but still thinks he can do plenty to help the Longhorns get a victory in Ewers’ absence.

“In a perfect world, he finds rhythm, stays hot, plays a great four quarters, and that’s how the game goes,” Sarkisian said. “The reality of it is, most football games don’t go that way. I’ve yet to find a quarterback that goes 30 for 30 and everything is perfect and makes every perfect read.”