Arch Manning Explains Decision Not to Transfer from Texas with Quinn Ewers Being QB1

Texas quarterback Arch Manning revealed his reason for staying with the Longhorns instead of transferring following the 2023 season.

"It's tough because you want to be out there playing with your boys," Manning said, per Larry Holder of The Athletic. "But [it came down to] just realizing there's nowhere else I want to be, and it was my dream to play at Texas. I'm going to stick it out and play there eventually."

The 19-year-old spent his freshman season behind Quinn Ewers and Maalik Murphy on Texas' depth chart. Manning appeared in just two games, completing two of his five pass attempts for 30 yards.

The rising sophomore was the No. 1 prospect in the country as a member of the 2023 recruiting class, per 247Sports' Composite Rankings.

With Ewers returning to Texas following an impressive 2023 campaign, Manning is expected to be his backup once again as the Longhorns look to navigate through a full season in the SEC after winning a Big 12 title last year.

"I think he understands that what he's got here is he's gonna be the most ready whenever he goes to the NFL," Ewers said, via Holder. "I think coach Sark [Steve Sarkisian] does the best job getting quarterbacks ready for the NFL and developing guys. [Manning will] be playing in his third year. He'll be more than comfortable in operating the offense, and it's just a really good fit for him."

Ewers added that he understood Manning's patience, referencing his own prior stint as a reserve at Ohio State in 2021.

"I think his actions definitely go to show that the kid's got some patience, for sure," he said. "I know it's tough, because when I went to Ohio State, obviously it's tough sitting behind somebody."

With Ewers back under center for the Longhorns' upcoming 2024 campaign, Manning will look to earn the full-time starting job in 2025.