5 takeaways from Texas spring game as QB Arch Manning makes a statement with 3-TD performance

The Texas Longhorns finished spring practice with their annual spring game, which was played despite the threat of inclement weather. Orange defeated White 35-34, but as usual, the game was less about a winner and loser than about standouts.

The good news for Texas is that the most-watched player in the game produced an impressive performance of the day. Here are five takeaways from the spring game.

5 takeaways from Texas spring game

Texas running back CJ Baxter played well a season ago and impressed in Texas's spring game.

#1. Arch Manning shows his skills

A year ago, Manning was a focus in the spring game and went 5-of-13 passes for 30 yards. He didn't play much in 2023, but word around Longhorn football was that he was ready in 2024.

That was an understatement. Manning's first snap was a 75-yard touchdown dart to DeAndre Moore, Jr. Manning later hit a 75-yard strike to Isaiah Bond. He also threw a 29-yard touchdown to Jaydon Blue.

On the day, Arch Manning was 19 for 25 for 355 yards and three touchdowns. It's safe to say that the excitement around Manning is back in a significant way after the 2024 spring game.

#2. Arch wasn't alone

As impressive as Manning was, he wasn't the only part of the QB story for the day. Freshman quarterback Trey Owens was a forgotten man between the returning Quinn Ewers and Manning. Owens served notice that he should not be written off in the QB derby.

Owens completed 14 for 21 for 228 yards and three touchdowns. In fact, his 3-yard strike to Ryan Wingo accounted for the game's deciding points. Owens probably isn't going to see major snaps for the Longhorns this fall. But he did serve notice that he's a legitimate option at QB for UT in the future.

#3. Texas has a ton of receiver depth

The Longhorns didn't necessarily have one receiver who made a massive jump on Saturday. They did have several players who established themselves as capable of making big plays.

Four different Texas receivers nabbed touchdowns of 50 yards or longer. That includes Thatcher Milton (50 yards), De Andre Moore Jr. (75 yards), Ryan Wingo (56 yards) and Isaiah Bond (75 yards). Texas might thin down the main group, but at least the Longhorns know they have plenty of options at the positions.

#4. CJ Baxter can also be a difference-maker

On a day when the passing game got most of the attention, running back CJ Baxter showed flashes of his skills. Baxter was an excellent freshman in 2023, starting six games and rushing for 659 yards and five touchdowns.

Baxter had a short touchdown run in the spring game and an astonishing 11-yard run in which he broke multiple tackles. Again, the format of the game tends to favor passing. But Baxter seems sharp and prepared for a massive season in 2024.

#5. The line play will be a story to watch

Texas's first score of the game came when Ethan Burke got to Quinn Ewers and tipped a pass. The deflection was snagged by massive defensive lineman Alfred Collins, who rumbled 32 yards for a touchdown. The thing about spring games is that any positive can also be seen as a negative.

Burke and Collins made the play because they're phenomenal at getting into the backfield. However, the protection for ewers may have been insufficient.

With Texas players facing off, it's hard to draw definitive conclusions about strengths and weaknesses. But the Longhorns will want to ensure its protection heading into the fall.

Did Arch Manning's spring game performance surprise you? Let us hear your thoughts below in our comments section!