NCAAF News: Arch Manning breaks silence on long wait to become Longhorns QB1, sitting behind Quinn Ewers

It’s been a long time coming, but his moment has finally arrived. Entering his third year in college football, Arch Manning is set to take the reins as the Texas Longhorns’ offensive leader. On the eve of a pivotal season, Manning opened up with an honest reflection on his patient wait behind Quinn Ewers.

The end goal for Manning and the Longhorns in the 2025 NCAA season is crystal clear. After back-to-back semifinal exits, fans in The Forty Acres are hoping the third time’s the charm — eager to see the National Championship bathed in burnt orange confetti once again.

It will be a grueling journey — no one ever said it would be easy — but the Longhorns are up for the test, and perhaps better equipped than ever to capture the coveted title. With Manning at the helm, there are few, if any, matchups where Texas won’t be considered the favorite.

However, questions still surround Manning due to his limited sample size in college football. While he stepped up during Ewers‘ absences, those brief appearances aren’t enough to close the case just yet. Manning will have to asnwer the bell throughout the campaign, although that’s exactly what he’s been waiting for, since enrolling in the University of Texas in Austin.

Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on November 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.

Manning wanted to wear the burnt orange jersey. Though he would’ve loved to start from Day 1, his desire to stay in Austin never wavered. The 19-year-old stayed true to his word, and his loyalty is finally paying off — though the road wasn’t always easy.

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“It was tough. It’s tough in this age,” Arch Manning admitted about waiting his turn in Steve Sarkisian’s program, per InsideTexas. “I hope it pays off. There’s nowhere else I want to be. I want to be at Texas. I have friends here. I love this place. I wanted to be the quarterback here. Sometimes it’s worth the wait.”

Home is where the heart is

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Cooper Manning’s son was scouted by virtually every college football program in the nation. But no NIL deal, endorsement, or offer could sway him from his lifelong dream: playing for the Texas Longhorns.

From an early age, Arch made it clear he wanted to attend college in Austin — a desire that never wavered, even through two years of limited snaps. What he found in Texas certainly helped: a close-knit group that welcomed him in and made his transition to the NCAA smoother, even amid the national frenzy surrounding the nephew of Peyton and Eli.

Quinn Ewers #QB04 of Texas participates in a drill during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Inside the QB room

Though Manning longed to command the huddle, his relationship with Ewers was always smooth sailing. The two talented signal callers formed a genuine friendship despite the fierce competition in every practice.

Manning, for his part, has shown nothing but praise for Ewers and the way he handled a difficult situation with grace. “It’s probably pretty annoying [to] have me as a backup,” Manning admitted.

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Fork in the road

Ewers and Manning found themselves mired in a complex situation from a young age, as the two gifted quarterbacks navigated the constant buzz surrounding their program and the ongoing debate over who should start.

Regardless, they managed to weather the storm. Now, the duo prepares to embark on separate journeys — Ewers awaits his NFL destination, while Manning sets off on a wild ride across the nation, chasing Texas’ first national title since 2005.