Arch Manning to make first college start as Texas Longhorns host Louisiana Monroe

The Texas Longhorns and head coach Steve Sarkisian have announced that sophomore quarterback Arch Manning is set to start the team’s Week 4 game against Louisiana Monroe. For Manning, this is going to be his first start as a college quarterback.

This comes following the injury suffered by starting quarterback Quinn Ewers in Week 3 against UTSA. Sarkisian would later describe it as a non-contact oblique strain. He also shared that Texas considers Ewers’ status to be day-to-day. Now, however, it’s clear he won’t be able to play in Week 4.

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Manning replaced Ewers in the win over UTSA and played very well. He finished the game with nine completions for 223 yards and four passing touchdowns. He ran for another touchdown on a 67-yard scramble.

For his efforts, Manning was named SEC Co-Freshman of the Week and earned praise from Sarkisian for how he was able to step up in the win.

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“You never know, as a backup, when you’re going to get put in the game. For [Manning] to come in on his first play to hit DeAndre Moore for the touchdown. On his third play — we’re in a little different style of offense when he’s in there — the little zone read, to pull it and the explosive play,” Sarkisian said.

“I love the post throw to Ryan Wingo for the for the long touchdown. The big corner route to Ryan. He threw a beautiful kind of slot fade to Johntay Cook for a touchdown. He did some nice things for us and extended some drives on third downs. So that was a great experience for him that he got.”

Manning has been one of the most anticipated quarterback prospects since early in his high school days. Part of that comes down to his family. The son of Cooper Manning, NFL stars Peyton and Eli Manning are his uncles while Archie Manning is his grandfather. Another part of that comes down to just how talented he has already proven himself to be. A member of the Class of 2023, he was a five-star recruit, according to the On3 Industry Ranking and he was the top-ranked player overall in the recruiting cycle.

Since getting to Texas, Manning has been playing under Sarkisian, one of the game’s best-respected offensive minds. He’s also been playing behind Ewers, who is viewed as an NFL prospect in his own right.

For now, it isn’t clear how long Ewers is going to be out. So, Manning needs to be ready not just for the Louisiana Monroe game but to step up if he’s needed once SEC play begins.