Arch Manning’s Admission About Being Quinn Ewers’ Backup

“It’s Paid Off” – Arch Manning Opens Up About Waiting His Turn at Texas

There’s a new leader under center for the Texas Longhorns, and his name is Arch Manning. After Quinn Ewers declared for the NFL Draft, all eyes are on the highly touted sophomore, who is finally set to take the reins of the Longhorns’ offense.

Manning, the nephew of NFL icons Peyton and Eli Manning, has been one of the most hyped prospects in college football history. Despite the buzz, he spent the past two seasons learning from the sidelines, backing up Ewers as Texas made back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances.

Now, with the 2025 season on the horizon, Manning opened up about his journey, revealing the challenges of being a backup and why he believes his patience will pay off.


Manning on His Time as a Backup: “It Wasn’t Always Easy”

Speaking with ESPN’s Marty Smith, Manning reflected on what it was like spending two years as a backup, waiting for his opportunity while getting small glimpses of playing time.

“It wasn’t always easy being the backup, but I think it’s paid off,” Manning admitted, per ESPN College Football. “I won’t take it for granted now that I get to play a little bit more.”

The toughest part? Getting a taste of action, only to go back to the bench.

“The hardest part was that I got to play a little bit, and then I got a little taste of it,” he explained. “But then you go back to the bench. You go back to not playing. That was pretty tough.”


The No. 1 Recruit Who Waited for His Shot

Manning entered college football as the No. 1 player in the 2023 recruiting class, per 247Sports. With offers from Alabama, Tennessee, and Ole Miss, he could have chosen a school where he would start immediately.

Instead, he opted to learn under Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and former No. 1 overall prospect Quinn Ewers.

Now, after two seasons of preparation, Manning is ready to take over as QB1 for a Texas team hungry for a national title.


Manning’s Performance So Far & What’s Next

Despite limited action, Manning has flashed his potential, recording:

  • 969 passing yards, 9 touchdowns
  • 115 rushing yards, 4 rushing touchdowns

While waiting behind Ewers had its challenges, Manning believes the experience will benefit him in the long run.

“It wasn’t always easy, but I think it’s paid off,” he reiterated.

With Texas set to kick off the 2025 season against Ohio State on Aug. 30, the Arch Manning era in Austin is officially here.

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