Arch Manning has bulked up during his redshirt year
Sep 30, 2023; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up before the game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Texas quarterback Arch Manning has reportedly come a long way from where he was at the start of the 2023 season — both physically and mentally.
Manning arrived for his freshman year in Austin at 210 pounds. He’s added 15 pounds of pure muscle to his 6’4″ frame since January, according to Rivals.com’s Anwar Richardson. The report also stated that the freshman now has a full grasp of the Longhorns’ offense.
Texas freshman QB Arch Manning has been grinding this year. When Manning stepped on campus in January, he weighed 210 pounds. I'm told Manning currently weighs 225 (all muscle). In addition, I'm told Manning has improved to the point where he can run the entire offense
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) December 15, 2023
Manning has played in just 2 games for the Longhorns this season. He got his first chance to take the field last month in Texas’ 57-7 demolition of Texas Tech at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas.
Manning only threw five passes against the Red Raiders in his debut, but flashed the potential that made him the No. 1 recruit in the country for the 2023 class. Manning went 2/5 for 30 yards as a passer. He also rushed for 7 yards on 3 carries.
The 18-year-old is still projected to be a backup next season behind current sophomore Quinn Ewers. However, with second-string QB Maalik Murphy already set to transfer out of the program, the door could be open for Manning to get meaningful snaps next year.
There have been rumblings about Manning potentially entering the transfer portal himself. But the present outlook appears to be good news for Texas supporters.
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