Arch Manning sets record straight on transfer rumors ahead of Texas' clash against Arizona State

Arch Manning is making headlines ahead of Texas' College Football Playoff quarterfinal showdown against Arizona State, but not for his game-day role. The 19-year-old quarterback put transfer rumors to rest.

During an interview, Manning was asked what changes he would like to see to the portal calendar or the playoff in general.

"I mean, I really have no plans on entering the portal or anything. I don’t really know about it, about all the windows and everything. I’m probably the wrong guy to ask about it too," Manning said.

Manning is the No. 1 recruit from the 2023 class. He joined coach Steve Sarkisian’s quarterback roster from Isidore Newman High School in New Orleans.

He’s been serving the Texas coach as the backup quarterback as Quinn Ewers holds the QB1 sport for the Longhorns. Ewers is NFL draft-eligible next season but could return for another year.

It’ll be interesting to see whether Sarkisian sticks with Ewers or decides to change QB1 to Manning, which is the fan-favorite choice at the moment. The Longhorns face the Arizona State Sun Devils on Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET in the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff quarterfinals.

ESPN College GameDay host suggests Texas HC to use more of Arch Manning in Peach Bowl

The debate surrounding Arch Manning and Quinn Ewers has once taken center stage ahead of Texas’ Peach Bowl game against the Arizona State Sun Devils. ESPN College GameDay analyst Kirk Herbstreit gave his two cents on the matter, suggesting Steve Sarkisian to consider using more of Manning in the game.

"I hope we see more of him (Manning)—it's fun to watch. I think it’s a game-by-game approach for Arch and how they'll use him," Herbstreit said.

"This is Quinn Ewers' team, but there’s so much anticipation and excitement around Arch potentially taking over, and I wonder if that dynamic is influencing Sark inside the locker room." (01:39:00)

Herbstreit pointed out Sarkisian's strategic challenge, balancing loyalty to Ewers with the allure of Manning’s edge-exploiting abilities. Injury struggles have hampered Ewers in 2024, but he remains Sarkisian’s starter. However, Herbstreit and fans are curious about how much action Manning will see as Texas faces the Sun Devils.