Texas quarterback Arch Manning is set to take over the starting role for the Longhorns next season. After two seasons as a backup behind Quinn Ewers, Manning will become the full-time starter. The starting quarterback typically takes on a leadership role on the team, and that is what Manning is trying to do. Part of that means interacting with all of his teammates and building positive relationships with them.
On Saturday, Manning took to social media to wish running back Cedric Baxter a happy birthday. He sent a three-word message to his teammate on his Instagram story, giving him an interesting nickname.
“Happy bday slime,” Manning wrote.
Cedric Baxter and Arch Manning both joined the Texas Longhorns in the 2023 season. While Manning has played limited in both of his first two seasons, Baxter stepped into a big role for the Longhorns as a freshman. He had 138 carries for 659 yards and five TDs.
However, Baxter was unable to continue the positive momentum of his career this past season. Before the season started, Baxter suffered a torn LCL/PCL in his knee. The injury took place in August and required six to nine months to recover from. As a result, he medically redshirted his sophomore season. Baxter is expected to be fully healthy and ready for the 2025 season.
Arch Manning Is Viewed As One of the Best Quarterbacks in College Football Heading Into His First Season as a Starter
It is not often that college football analysts project a player who has never started a full season in college as one of the best QBs in the NCAA. However, that is what is happening with Arch Manning. Part of the hype comes from his last name being Manning. However, he has also earned the hype because of how well he has played in relief of Quinn Ewers.
This past season, Manning started two games for the Longhorns while Ewers was injured. In both games, Manning threw for 250+ yards. Now he is heading into his first season as a starter, and fans and media members are expecting Manning to pick up from where he left off.
The hype is so big around Manning that he is even the betting favorite to win the Heisman Trophy heading into the season. According to FanDuel, he has the best chance of winning the Heisman with +700 odds. That places him a little bit ahead of LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier and Clemson QB Cade Klubnik.
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