Steve Sarkisian reveals early impressions of Arch Manning during spring practices

With Texas kicking off spring practice a couple of weeks ago, everyone wants to know how Arch Manning is performing. The freshman quarterback attracted more buzz than any incoming recruit in the country this offseason thanks to both his last name and status as the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2023 class.

After the Longhorns’ practice on Tuesday, coach Steve Sarkisian gave fans the update they were looking for, heaping high praise on the young QB.

“I would say today was his best day,” the coach said. “Which should happen. Hopefully we’ve learned from Week 1 with some of the things whether it’s the pace of play, whether it’s the system, whether it’s recognition of defense, whether it’s ball placement. Whatever that looks like. I thought today definitely was his best day.”

That’s certainly progress for Manning, as Sarkisian said after the first spring practice that there were some plays that “he would love to have back.” But based on Tuesday’s showing, it appears he is making strides as he competes for the No. 1 spot on the depth chart.

Although last year’s starter Quinn Ewers returns, Sarkisian revealed to start spring practice that both quarterbacks will compete for the job. Ewers is the former No. 1 quarterback prospect from the 2021 class and won Big 12 Newcomer of the Year last season while throwing for 2,177 yards, 15 touchdowns and six interceptions in 10 games.

The creates one of the most intriguing quarterbacks battles of the 2023 offseason.

Ewers is the favorite to win the position based on his experience. However, don’t count out Manning, who also won the starting job his freshman year of high school at Isidore Newman (LA). The son of Cooper Manning and nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, he later broke every record set by his uncles at the school to finish his career with more than 8,500 yards and 100 touchdowns in four years.

Manning was an early enrollee at Texas this winter, giving him an opportunity to hit the ground running in his preparation for this season. Since then, he has already made several changes to prepare himself to play at the next level.

“Graduating early, it’s definitely been a great head start for me,” Manning said last week. “(Strength) coach (Torre) Becton and his staff have been very helpful. I’ve gotten bigger, faster, and stronger. He’s going to push you, and he wants what’s best for you. He asks you the first day you’re here, what do you want to do and what are your goals? He’s going to help you get there. That’s his job. He’s the best.”

Ultimately, Arch Manning still has a long way to go this spring and beyond. But with Tuesday’s comments from Sarkisian, he appears headed in the right direction. He’ll get to show off just how much he has learned when Texas hosts its annual spring game on April 15.