Longhorns add new QB to the roster to help Arch Manning ahead of the 2025 NCAAF season

Arch Manning has emerged as the new on-field leader for the Texas Longhorns, but the coaching staff isn’t leaving anything to chance. A new quarterback has been brought in to bolster the depth chart as a backup. Steve Sarkisian’s squad is aiming to become a serious contender in the upcoming NCAAF season.

The latest news confirms the arrival of Matthew Caldwell to Sarkisian’s team, joining the Longhorns from the Troy Trojans via the Transfer Portal. While Manning’s starting role is not expected to be in jeopardy, Caldwell adds valuable depth and could bring healthy competition to the quarterback room.

The announcement was confirmed by College Football insider Pete Nakos, who revealed the Longhorns’ newest addition through his official X account (formerly Twitter), signaling Texas’s intent to bolster its roster ahead of the upcoming season.

“BREAKING: Troy transfer QB Matthew Caldwell has signed with Texas, @PeteNakos_ reports. Caldwell totaled 1,608 passing yards and 13 touchdowns last season.”

Defensive end Max Llewellyn #48 of the Iowa Hawkeyes makes a sack during the second half against quarterback Matthew Caldwell #12 of the Troy Trojans at Kinnick Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa.

With his arrival to Coach Sark’s team, Caldwell becomes the eleventh addition through the Transfer Portal. On the flip side, a total of 16 players have departed the program via the same route.

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Sarkisian expresses satisfaction with Caldwell’s arrival

The departure of Quinn Ewers marked a major shift in the Longhorns’ quarterback room heading into next season. While it was widely expected that Arch Manning would take over as the starter, reinforcing the backup position became a priority — and according to his head coach, Caldwell appears to be the right fit.

“I’m excited for him,” Sarkisian said on the Clean Pocket podcast. “He’s been patient. How many people have come after him from other schools to get him to transfer? He’s stayed the course and stayed true to his word, so we’re pumped about him.

“… This guy has got a charismatic, some ‘it’ about him,” coach Sark added. “You can feel it. That’s not a knock against Quinn. Everybody leads differently. He’s got something about him that guys gravitate to. That’s always a great thing to have as a quarterback.”