Is Arch Manning starting for Texas in Week 1? A look at Steve Sarkisian’s choice against CSU 

The Texas Longhorns host the Colorado State Rams in Week 1 of college football on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. EDT. The game is at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, and will broadcast live on ESPN.

The Longhorns have one of the more intriguing players in college football on their roster in Arch Manning. But, is the redshirt freshman quarterback starting in Week 1?

Is Arch Manning starting at QB?

The Texas Longhorns will start Quinn Ewers who returned for the 2024 season instead of entering the draft. Ewers will be Texas' starting quarterback going forward, with Arch Manning serving as the primary backup.

"Quinn's our starter," coach Steve Sarkisian said, via Statesman.com.

With Ewers being the Longhorns' starter, Texas' backup QB will be Arch Manning. Manning decided to stay at Texas despite Ewers returning, which Sarkisian believes will be good for him:

"I think Arch has got an extremely bright future. We're very fortunate to to have him on our roster. He's got great leadership skills, got a great skill set."

Manning is expected to take over as the starting quarterback for Texas in 2025. Freshman Trey Owens is also on the roster. Owens was a four-star recruit in the class of 2024.

Steve Sarkisian heaps praise on Arch Manning

Although Manning is not the Longhorns' starting quarterback, Steve Sarkisian has confidence in the redshirt freshman. Sarkisian believes Manning is light years ahead of where he was last season and the coach is comfortable if Manning has to play:

“I would say for Arch, he’s light years ahead of where he was last year. His understanding of what we're trying to do offensively, the nuances of the scheme, the timing of certain throws, the protections, all those things.

"I just think his overall comfort level and confidence is much higher than it was a year ago at this time. I’m very comfortable that if Arch goes in the game, he'll go in and operate at a high level."

Manning could see some time in games where Texas blows out opponents, which could very well happen in Week 1 against Colorado State.

Manning was a five-star recruit in the class of 2023 and the No. 1 recruit in the class. He picked Texas over schools such as Clemson, USC and Oklahoma among others.