Arch Manning reportedly can't rest on his laurels as Longhorns' backup QB could give him a run for his money

The Arch Manning era has only just begun in the Forty Acres, but reports suggest the Texas Longhorns‘ starting quarterback may need to sleep with one eye open. Another signal-caller in the program could be eyeing his job. With the NCAA season just around the corner, the stakes will only continue to rise for the new leader in Austin.

The burnt orange have found their new mentor for the 2025 college football season. Ewers is now in the NFL, enjoying his first training camp with the Miami Dolphins, and Manning is now at the helm in Austin.

While most fans in Texas won’t like to admit it, the 21-year-old field general will most probably be in for some hard lessons during the 2025 NCAA campaign. Still, the sky is the limit for the Longhorns with the ‘Heir of football’s quarterback royalty‘ under center.

While that’s undeniably true, there might be more to the new chapter brewing in ATX. As recent reports suggest, a new threat to Manning’s starting job could be lurking.

Matthew Caldwell #12 of the Troy Trojans throws a pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa.

“A lot of people think Matthew Caldwell could take Arch‘s job, but I’m Team Manning,” Paul Wadlington recently commented on Inside Texas.

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Knowing the competition

Caldwell, a senior, is now entering his fifth year in college football. He previously played for the Jacksonville State Gamecocks, Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs, and Troy Trojans. Last season, Caldwell completed 141 passes for 1,608 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions.

As he joins the Horns for the 2025 campaign, Caldwell has been a pleasant surprise so far in the spring and summer camps. However, it’s all about his performance when fall comes around and the season officially begins. The 22-year-old will have to blow the socks off Steve Sarkisian and company to truly pose a threat to Manning’s position in the depth chart.

In the meantime, Caldwell will battle Joe Tatum for the QB2 spot on the roster. College football is full of unexpected turns year after year, and if Caldwell patiently waits behind Manning, there’s no telling when his number might be called in a crucial moment with little notice.