Coming out of high school, Arch Manning was one of the most polarizing recruits we’ve seen in a long time. However, Manning had a rough spring game, and incumbent starter Quinn Ewers won the starting role for 2023. This leaves many wondering what 2023 and beyond will hold for Manning?
Arch Manning: Truly a Generational Talent?
The Manning brothers, Eli, Payton, and Archie Manning, are the pinnacle of the discussion around the greatest football family ever.
It doesn’t stop there as Arch Manning, Cooper’s son, and Eli and Payton’s nephew, looks to be the next star in the family. Arch doesn’t just have the Manning name, he was the number one recruit in the 2023 class.
According to 247 Sports, Manning was ranked as a five-star and the number one player in his class. His college decision was extremely hyped, and in the end, he chose Texas. Even with Ewers already on campus, there was talk that Manning could be the day-one starter.
2023 Outlook
As talented as Manning is, he enters the season behind the aforementioned Ewers. And that’s okay.
Many casual fans fail to remember just how good Ewers is. The incumbent starter is two years older and just as good of a prospect as Manning on paper. Not only was Ewers a five-star prospect, but he was the number one player in his recruiting class as well.
Ewers originally spent his first season at Ohio State before transferring to Texas. His first season at Texas was certainly not a disappointment on the field, but an injury during the Alabama game curbed what could’ve been a dominant season.
During the Texas spring game, Ewers completed 16 of 23 passes for 195 yards and a touchdown. With Ewers winning the job during the spring, this allows Manning to develop under an excellent predecessor for his first few seasons.
College Career Outlook
Although Manning may not be the day-one starter, it’s safe to believe he’ll have a legendary college career. Manning committed to Texas because he felt he was a good fit with Sarkisian and their quarterback coach, A. J. Milwee.
Regarding Manning’s attributes, he’s a fantastic passer with exceptional mobility. Not only is Manning mobile, but he has great vision, footwork, and arm strength.
His game needs to be more polished as he still isn’t as consistent as you would like, but the foundation is there. Even though he won’t start as a true freshman for the Longhorns, expect him to bloom into a star once he takes over the starting job.
Arch Manning Player Profile
- Height: 6’4”
- Weight: 212
- Number: 16
- Class: Freshman
- Hometown: New Orleans, La.
- High School: Isidore Newman
- Draft Eligibility: 2026