Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian sees no use in trying to create a storyline that doesn’t exist heading into next season.
With Quinn Ewers having declared for the NFL Draft, Texas will have a new starting quarterback in 2025. That quarterback is going to be Arch Manning, who has been the most high-profile backup in the nation over the past two years.
During a Thursday appearance on the “Up & Adams” show, Sarkisian was asked if he is ready to name Manning the new starting quarterback of the Longhorns. The coach laughed and essentially admitted that there will be no QB competition in Austin this summer.
“It would be pretty tough for me to say he’s probably not gonna be our starting quarterback,” Sarkisian said. “He started for us a couple games last year and played really good football. Our first game in the SEC against Mississippi State, he was our starting quarterback. Quinn had been nicked up. I think the exposure that he’s had, I think he’s ready for the moment. … He’s gotta earn it, but I feel pretty good about it.”
Manning got some playing time this season and completed 67.8% of his passes for 939 yards, 9 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. He also rushed for 108 yards and 4 scores. Sarkisian used the former 5-star recruit on certain packages late in the season.
There were some rumblings about Manning potentially transferring before Ewers declared for the NFL Draft, but that was never realistic. Manning will finally have an opportunity to live up to his name next season.
