Tony Thomas
Author
The Texas Longhorns are 25-5 over the past two seasons with two College Football Playoff appearances. Quinn Ewers has moved on to the NFL, and now the Longhorns will be led on the field and behind center by redshirt sophomore quarterback Arch Manning.
Manning has watched for two seasons and waited his turn to lead coach Steve Sarkisian’s offense as a full-time starter. In a college football world that now focuses more on “me” instead of “we,” Manning has held firm with his commitment to play for Sarkisian at Texas.
In spot duty last season, Manning provided a glimmer of the quarterback that he is against Mississippi State.
Against the Bulldogs, Manning put on his own individual passing academy and completed 84 percent of his passes for 325 yards and two touchdowns. In addition, he added 33 yards on the ground and a rushing TD in a 35-13 win that silenced any cowbells that made the trip with Bulldogs fans.
Manning’s ability as a running and passing quarterback gives Texas an unpredictable edge. His mobility and deep-ball accuracy expand the offense, making the Longhorns more difficult to defend and positioning them as a serious championship contender.
While the Texas defense remains a strength, the qualities and skill Manning brings to the quarterback position are poised to make a decisive impact on the Longhorns’ national title hopes.
To be sure, Manning will have a tough first test as the QB1 starter, traveling to Ohio State on Aug. 30 in the season opener. But here is the difference. Manning has stayed with the Longhorns and didn’t transfer. He has spent two years in Sarkisian’s offensive system and has game experience.
Manning approaches the quarterback position with a sense of commitment and work ethic, learned and nurtured as the youngest member of football’s royal family, who knows a thing or two about how to play the quarterback position to win championships.
