Indianapolis – Arch Manning has been at least one year since the NFL Scout Federation asked questions. Still, his former Texas teammate is totally hoping that the sophomore quarterback will eventually join the highest level.
“I think he can,” said receiver Matthew Golden on Friday. “He has his heart. The Arch appears every day and he goes to work. He acts like a walk. He has a story. He is trying to name himself.”
Last year, Manning started two games as a redshirt freshman while filling in the game for injured starter Quinn Ewers. Manning, 6-foot-4 and weighs 225 pounds, ended with 939 pass yards, nine touchdowns, two interceptions and a 67.8 completion percentage this season.
Peyton Manning and Eli Manning’s nephew and Archie Manning’s grandson – all first-round NFL quarterbacks – the youngest Manning rushed for 108 yards and four touchdowns to 25 offenses. His 67-yard touchdown rush against UTSA is the longest Texas quarterback since Vince Young ran in 2005.
“He’s an amazing thrower, but to my surprise he can run,” said the receiver Isaiah Bond. “I didn’t expect it at all, but there are some wheels on Arch. I’ve never seen a quarterback running like that before, especially because he’s a big guy too. So it’s amazing to move at this speed.”
Manning is the only FBS or NFL QB in the last 25 years, scoring over 75 yards in the same game, running over 65 yards for touchdowns and scoring passes for another 50 yards. Manning did this against UTSA, a game he didn’t even start. Manning spelled Ewers in that game and finished nine of nine passes on 12 touchdowns and 223 yards while rushing for him for 67 yards with a 56-7 win.
Right Arch Manning started two games when Quinn Ewers suffered an injury in 2024. (David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
As the No. 1 recruit in the United States in 2023, Manning immediately put pressure on Ewers, who ranked No. 1 in 2021. Then, with these performances, Manning’s presence intensified tensions with Ewers, which forced him to keep improving to keep starting.
“It says in the Bible, iron grinds iron,” Evos said. “So it’s good for me and him a little bit working for me and him. And we’re both fighting for the same job, but our good friends off the field are good for us, too.
“I won’t trade anything because that’s the reality of the position. There’s always a big name around the room or room. So, I’m glad he’s part of our team and I’m glad I have to hear that, too.”
After his two games against Louisiana and Mississippi State began, Manning played very little for the rest of the season, completing six of 38 yards in 12 passes and rushing 12 for 12, lasting 26 yards and touchdowns. The Longhorns reached the college football playoff semifinals in their first SEC campaign.
With Ewers looking at his NFL career, it’s time for Manning to stand out in Texas. His former teammates think he’s ready for the spotlight.
“He will be a great player,” Eus said. “He’s a hardworking kid. I think he has some characteristics of mine, too. He’s certainly calm and calm, and I think he’s ready because he’s sitting behind me and he sees how I do it. Obviously, he’s going to have his own way of doing it.”
“He can spin the ball well,” said Golden. “He can run the ball too. I don’t think the Arch can do anything. So I’m happy to see what he’s going to do next year. For his talent, his youth, he understands the level of this game.
“You can tell when he is playing. So, just wait for him to get a chance to start. It’ll be nice.”
(Top photo: Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
