Arch Manning continues to impress, both Texas Longhorns‘ own and foreign, and despite the small sample size his 2024 NCAA season debut left a great impression. A former Texas Longhorns QB and program’s legend was among the jaw-dropped spectators.
Texas has on Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning the best QB room in college football. And although, Ewers is the starter, the team’s depth and occasional opponents may set the table for Manning to enter the game late and showcase his ability. That is more than enough for fans to satisfy their ‘Arch’ playing quota. It won’t be until next season for them to enjoy a full starting season from Manning.
However, Arch has taken great advantage of these chances he gets to play his first college football snaps. With just 6 pass attempts on Saturday, Manning earned the respect and applaud from a Texas Longhorns legend and fellow QB.
“I think Arch Manning is the real deal,” Colt McCoy said, via The Triple Option. “Spent some time with him. Obviously, he’s got the last name, the pedigree, all those things. But the kid works really, really hard. He’s really smart, and I think it’s a credit to him for sticking around and redshirting and really biding his time to be the starter at Texas.”
Mentors galore for Arch
Archibald Manning, as his surname gives a glimpse, is surrounded by experienced and condecorated football personalities. His grandfather whom he takes his name from, Archie, his dad Cooper, and his uncles Eli and Peyton. The family tree is NCAA football and NFL heritage. The roots grow deep and Arch is in an unsurpassable position to thrive.
As Arch is probably sick and tired from talking football with his relatives, he may be keener to give ear to other names. As Colt McCoy pointed, as well as several others, it takes spirit to stay at a program as backup and profit from it.
Colt McCoy was the backup to superstar Vince Young at Texas, and both QBs turned out to be college greats for the Longhorns. History may go full circle with Ewers and Manning. Arch could be wise to follow McCoy’s advice. ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do’, in this case ‘When in the University of Texas, do as the Texas Longhorns legends did’.
“The redshirt year that I had behind Vince — first of all, I was not nearly as high rated as Arch. Nobody knew who I was but the redshirt year was the best thing that ever happened to me. I was able to just really learn the system. I spent a lot of time in the weight room. That year helped me a ton.”
“I just look at the quarterbacks that performed the best Week 1 and across the board it seems like those were the guys that kind of waited their time, learned the system, got coached up, and they stepped in there and played really good,” McCoy added. “If you’re a quarterback in college, I would say stay where you are. Wait your time. Learn and grow.“