Arch Manning made a noteworthy appearance in the No. 4 Texas Longhorns’ 52-0 triumph over Colorado State in their season opener, where he threw his first touchdown pass and scored his first rushing touchdown in a mop-up role.
Manning, a highly-touted recruit with a football lineage that includes NFL stars such as his grandfather Archie Manning and uncles Peyton and Eli Manning, is currently backing up starting quarterback Quinn Ewers.
Despite being a freshman and unlikely to displace Ewers from the starting role, Manning’s every move on the field drew thunderous applause from Longhorns supporters.
Entering the game with Texas leading 38-0 in the third quarter, Manning’s first play was a 40-yard completion followed by a 5-yard touchdown pass to Silas Bolden. Manning displayed his agility by eluding a pass rush before delivering the pass to Bolden.
With 10 minutes remaining, Manning capped his performance with a 1-yard touchdown run, marking the final score for Texas in the game.
Manning’s potential readiness to take on substantial playing time this season could be crucial for Texas as they transition to the Southeastern Conference, considering Ewers’ previous injury setbacks in the last two seasons.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian praised Manning’s instincts and playmaking abilities, emphasizing the young quarterback’s natural talent and vision on the field. Sarkisian noted that he encourages Manning to rely more on his instincts and play freely rather than being overly cautious and methodical.
The performance of Arch Manning has sparked enthusiasm among fans and raised expectations for his future contributions to the Texas Longhorns’ football program.
