Arch Manning transfer portal rumors: Texas backup QB’s future under scrutiny as Big Ten destination comes to surface

Texas quarterback Arch Manning was in the news on Saturday when No. 5-ranked Longhorns (6-1, 2-1 Southeastern Conference) coach Steve Sarkisian decided to put him in for a few drives over Quinn Ewers. Ewers was benched near the end of the second quarter after the No. 2-ranked Georgia Bulldogs (6-1, 4-1) led 20-0.

Looking to change things up, Sarkisian put Manning in the game, but he did not have much success. He progressed a little over 20 yards on his first drive before the team punted. On his second drive, he fumbled the ball after five plays. Ewers then went back in the second half.

Manning has been solid this season and looks like he could replace Ewers when he goes to the NFL. However, if Ewers does not declare for the draft in the spring, it could spark Manning to transfer, and some fans think Penn State is an option.

No.3-ranked Penn State (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten Conference) has a QB the same age as Ewers, Drew Allar, who is also expected to declare for the NFL draft after this season. If Allar does, he will likely be a high pick, and the Nittany Lions will need a replacement. One fan wrote this on a Penn State message board on Tuesday:

"I firmly believe Drew Allar is going top 3 in April... we will have the IT offense... Texas will be a mess with their Ewers or Arch back and forth... why not come to the school with the IT system? Dream big and bookmark it."

How likely is it for Arch Manning to leave Texas for Penn State?

Through eight weeks of the 2024 college football season, there is no reason to believe Arch Manning has plans to enter the transfer portal. The Manning family has made it clear that they are focused on his development and like the situation in Texas. NFL legend and Arch's uncle Peyton Manning spoke about it in September:

"I think he wants to play," Peyton Manning said, via SI. "He wants to establish himself first. Obviously, I think they've got a good team this year. I’m a big fan of Quinn. I’ve gotten to know him. He comes down to our camp, and the two of them get along great. I’m proud of [Arch] for staying there."

"Most kids would probably transfer in that setting, but he stayed there. He likes playing for [Steve Sarkisian], he likes the system. And when he does get in there, he’s going to benefit from kind of having a little continuity in the system.”

It is possible that Arch Manning could feel differently next month, but there has been no indication from him that he has plans to leave Texas.