Arch Manning will take the helm as the starting quarterback for Texas in Saturday’s matchup against UL Monroe, as announced by head coach Steve Sarkisian on Thursday, according to The Athletic’s Sam Khan Jr.
Manning’s first collegiate start comes as Quinn Ewers continues to recover from an abdominal injury. The redshirt freshman stepped in for Ewers during the second quarter of last weekend’s 56-7 victory over UTSA, where he completed 9 of 12 passes for 223 yards and five total touchdowns, including a notable 67-yard touchdown run.
As the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch has previously entered games for Texas with the team already leading. So far this season, he has accumulated 318 passing yards, five touchdowns, and no interceptions, boasting a 77.8% completion rate over three games.
Ewers is expected to be on the sidelines during Saturday’s game, wearing an earpiece to provide support to Manning, as reported by Orangebloods’ Anwar Richardson. Sarkisian confirmed that Ewers’ aspirations, including contention for the Heisman Trophy and a potential top-five NFL draft pick, remain attainable.
“I think we have a national championship-caliber team, and he’s the quarterback of that,” Sarkisian stated, as noted by A to Z Sports’ Brian Davis.
Sarkisian also indicated that freshman Trey Owens will serve as Manning’s backup for the game, with Cole Lourd listed as the third-string option, according to Richardson.
