"Admire what Arch Manning is doing": Legendary CFB coach drops eye-catching remark on Texas' back-up QB amid his impressive season

Former Floria Gators coach Steve Spurrier has been impressed with the way Arch Manning has gone about his business this season. The Texas quarterback has served as the backup to Quinn Ewers, but Manning has had his moments in the spotlight, which he has grabbed with both hands.

Before the Texas vs. Florida Week 11 game on Saturday, Spurrier spoke to the Houston Chronicle's Kirk Bohls and waxed lyrical on Manning.

"I like the way he’s going about this," Spurrier said. "A lot of these guys will stay three, four years. I admire what Arch is doing. I just talked to Archie Sr., and I told him I like what he does. Arch came in as a freshman. He’s in his second year.

"He’s going to stay there and finish as a Texas Longhorn. Yeah, these guys nowadays, they want to pick up and leave just about as fast as they get there if they don’t get a bunch of money or don’t get to play much. It has evened out the talent, I think, around the country."

On Nov. 6, reports claimed that scouts and agents advised Manning to stay in college until he has at least two years as a starter. This is mainly because NFL teams do not want to develop quarterbacks but instead want the desired rookie product ready to adapt to the big league, based on their team's style of play.

Since Ewers is expected to enter the NFL draft next year, Arch Manning is anticipated to be the starter for Texas in 2025. Although Manning will be eligible to enter the 2026 NFL draft, he could remain at Texas for another year and go pro in 2027.

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A look at Arch Manning's impressive season thus far

NCAA Football: Texas Longhorns QB Arch Manning (Credits: IMAGN)

While Arch Manning has been QB2 at Texas, he did start two games this season when Quinn Ewers was nursing an abdominal injury.

Manning got his first start for the Longhorns against ULM on Sept. 21. His debut impressed many as the quarterback completed 15 of 29 passes for 258 yards and threw two touchdowns to lead Texas to a 51-3 win.

Manning also got the start against Mississippi State on Sept. 28. He finished with 325 yards on 26 passes and threw two touchdowns, while also rushing for one score as Texas recorded a convincing 35-13 victory.

This season, Manning has completed 61 of 90 passes for 939 yards and thrown nine touchdowns with two interceptions. He has also added 81 rushing yards and scored three touchdowns on the ground.