Arch Manning Explains Decision to Stay at Texas as QB2 While Backing Up Quinn Ewers

High-profile recruits deciding to transfer somewhere they can start early in their careers is a regular occurrence in today's college football world, but one of the most notable recruits in recent years decided to wait until his junior season to start.

And he is ready to take over the Texas offense in 2025.

"I wanted to be the quarterback at the University of Texas," quarterback Arch Manning told reporters Thursday when discussing why he didn't transfer when he was behind Quinn Ewers on the depth chart.

"Sometimes things are worth the wait."

Manning also said Ewers has helped him prepare for the starting role, which he appreciates even more since "it's probably pretty annoying having me as a backup with all the media stuff."

He was always going to generate more headlines than a typical backup seeing how he is the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning. What's more, he was the No. 1 overall recruit in the class of 2023, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

Yet he patiently waited his turn as Ewers took the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff semifinals in each of the last two seasons.

Manning got some run during the 2024 campaign against UTSA, UL Monroe and Mississippi State when Ewers was injured. He led Texas to victories in all three games with a combined eight touchdown passes to two interceptions while also running for two scores.

That running ability stands in stark contrast to the play of his uncles and allowed him to remain a part of the offense at times when Texas used him in special packages.

But he will be the starter for a team with national championship aspirations in 2025. And what is expected to be a bright spotlight all season will be particularly bright right out of the gates, as the Longhorns start the campaign with a road game against the reigning national champions at Ohio State.

Winning that game against the team that eliminated Texas in last season's CFP would be quite the opening statement as the full-time starter.