Texas quarterback Arch Manning addresses backup role amid transfer rumors. Swirl
Arch Manning’s first season at Texas was rather quiet, as the freshman spent the majority of the year as the Longhorns’ third-string quarterback, trailing starter Quinn Ewers and backup Maalik Murphy. Manning was in a new role after spending his entire high school career as a starter at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans.
Manning spoke to the media Saturday morning in his hometown ahead of Monday’s Sugar Bowl matchup in the College Football Playoff semifinals, where he discussed how he approached his freshman season.
“There were many tough days. “I’m not going to lie,” Manning told Inside Texas. “I was never a backup in high school, so there are times when you graduate early and are alone in your dorm room.” You’re like, it’s just another day of competing for a third-string position. My family is very supportive of me. Coaches are pushing me. I’m delighted I got this year to mature as a person and a player.”
Manning is not assured to start next season, either, because Ewers is slated to return in 2024. Although Murphy has confirmed his plan to move to Duke, Manning has decided to stay at Texas to continue his development with the Longhorns, despite online reports.
“Obviously, there’s always rumors, especially nowadays,” Manning told Inside Texas. “I haven’t considered transferring at all. I’m simply focused on developing and assisting this squad in any way I can, and perhaps one day playing for the University of Texas, as I’ve always wanted to.”
With Murphy gone, Manning will be Ewers’ backup in the Playoff as Texas seeks its first national championship since 2005.
Manning has appeared in two games thus far: his debut against Texas Tech and a cameo in the Big 12 championship game versus Oklahoma State. He has completed two out of five passes for 30 yards.
No. 3 Texas will face No. 2 Washington at the Superdome on Monday at 8:45 p.m. ET, with the winner advancing to the CFP national championship on January 8 in Houston.
