Is Arch Manning playing today? Texas QB's availability for Week 8 explored

As Arch Manning and No. 1 Texas prepare to face No. 5 Georgia, one major question is whether the redshirt freshman QB will play. Manning isn't dealing with an injury, but with third-year starter Quinn Ewers back from injury and ready to lead, the question remains whether Manning will get his opportunity.

Here's a deeper look at the situation.

Arch Manning update

Manning might be relegated to the bench against Georgia. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

At this point, Ewers, who played the entire game against Oklahoma last week, is officially the starting quarterback for Texas. Manning has sat through two games this year without a snap, including the Oklahoma game and the Week 2 battle with Michigan.

However, when Ewers was sidelined midway through Week 3's win over Texas-San Antonio, Manning became the full-time QB. He started a pair of games against UL-Monroe and Mississippi State and delivered comfortable victories in each.

Now that Ewers is back, Manning will likely be on the bench again. However, given Manning's outstanding performance, it would not be surprising for Texas coach Steve Sarkisian to script a role for him in Week 8, even if limited to running situations or a certain number of pre-determined series in relief of Ewers.

What's the case for Arch Manning?

Arch Manning has arguably played better than Quinn Ewers in 2024. While Ewers holds a slim lead in completion percentage (72.% to 70.5%), Manning has thrown for more yards per pass (11.5 to 8.5), has thrown an equal number of touchdowns and has thrown fewer interceptions.

Manning is also a far more effective runner. Ewers has 10 rushes for four yards, while Manning has 13 rushes for 82 yards and three touchdowns. Manning has superior passing stats, is a much better runner and has proven himself capable of running the offense.

What's the case against Arch Manning?

The problem is that Ewers is a highly experienced, top-level quarterback. Coaches generally hate pulling a player's starting job due to injury, and Ewers led Texas to its best season since Vince Young, taking the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff.

Football often functions as a hierarchy where experience plays a key role, fairly or unfairly. Of course, this story has played out before, perhaps most notably at Alabama. Nick Saban started Jalen Hurts, but ultimately moved to Tua Tagovailoa, feeling that the younger QB gave his team a better chance to win.

What's Arch Manning's situation?

Moving forward, Arch Manning is ready, willing and available. It would not be at all surprising if Steve Sarkisian gave him a role in Week 8, even if he's not the quarterback for the majority of the game. Certainly, if Ewers struggles, many in the Texas fan base will demand to see Manning. It remains to be seen if their requests will be answered.

What do you think of Manning's situation in Week 8? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!