3 bold predictions for Arch Manning while Steve Sarkisian looks to start Quinn Ewers in 2024

What will Texas do with Arch Manning? In a sport where teams fiercely chase after top-rated quarterbacks, Steve Sarkisian has two of them. However, Quinn Ewers is the more experienced quarterback and led the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff last season, so Sarkisian is inclined toward Ewers.

This raises the question of what will happen with Manning. Here are three bold predictions:

3 bold predictions for Arch Manning

Arch Manning (left) and Quinn Ewers (right) will share a crowded QB room at Texas this fall. (Photo credit: IMAGN)

1. He will play-- significantly

A year ago, Sarkisian sat Manning and it wasn't a difficult decision. Despite the massive amount of hype surrounding the latest QB in the Manning family dynasty, Arch clearly wasn't ready for prime time. In two college games last season, Arch was 2 for 5 passing for 30 yards.

This year, his performance in Texas's spring game was miles ahead of 2023. And Sarkisian has to use him—at least some.

Probably the best clue for reasonable Manning expectations is Tim Tebow at Florida. Tebow came in behind UF's all-time leading passer, Chris Leak. The senior Leak did start that season, but Tebow saw time too.

Urban Meyer, the then-UF coach, inserted Tebow into most games early on and then played him situationally after that. Granted, it was simple because Tebow was a rushing specialist who earned 89 carries while throwing only 33 passes. Moreover, Tebow played in 11 of Florida's 14 games, gaining crucial experience.

A similar approach will likely follow Manning. Don't be surprised if Sarkisian puts him in for, say, the third series of the opener and then tries to work him back in intermittently thereafter.

2. Manning will wait behind Ewers, who will be a 2025 first-round NFL Draft pick.

The real subtext in the Arch Manning story is "Will he transfer?" Ole Miss could certainly find him snaps next season, and most NCAA schools could offer immediate playing time. But there's no reason to hurry. Ewers will start in 2024 and will play his way into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Meanwhile, maybe less is more for Manning. In an era when many overused college QBs have shortened their NFL careers by taking vicious hits, not playing might actually make more sense. A year ago, Manning sat. This season, he'll play but not have the pressure of being the man.

3. Manning will star in 2025 and then be a 2026 first-round NFL pick.

Once Ewers heads to the NFL, the deck will finally be cleared, and Arch Manning will have his season as the Texas starter. Don't you think one year can still vault a QB to the top of the NFL draft heap? Ask Cam Newton.

The plan makes sense since Manning needs just enough time to show the NFL that he's developing the mental approach to play at the next level. A season at Texas will give us the inevitable Heisman campaign, enough tape to put the NFL on notice, and then a jump to the next level.

What do you think of Arch Manning's situation in Texas? Weigh in below with your thoughts in our comments section!