Is Arch Manning starting for Texas? Exploring Steve Sarkisian's starting QB options for 2024 season

Arch Manning is set to enter his second season as a quarterback for the Texas Longhorns. However, Manning will not be starting in 2024. Manning was a five-star recruit and the No. 1 overall recruit in the class of 2023. He spent last season third on the Longhorns' depth chart and ended up redshirting his freshman season.

Entering the 2024 season and Manning's second year at Texas, he will once again not be the starter.

Is Arch Manning starting for Texas?

No, Arch Manning is not starting at Texas, as the Longhorns' starting quarterback is Quinn Ewers.

Ewers decided to return to college for the 2024 season. Coach Steve Sarkisian announced that Ewers is the Longhorns starting quarterback.

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

Although Ewers is the starter, Sarkisian believes another year of learning from Ewers will benefit Manning.

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

Arch Manning explains decision not to transfer

After Quinn Ewers announced he would be returning to Texas, many wondered if Arch Manning would remain a Longhorn.

However, Manning decided to enter the transfer portal, as he wants to play for Texas and knows learning from Ewers will help his development.

“It’s tough because you want to be out there playing with your boys,” Manning said to The Athletic. “But (it came down to) just realizing there’s nowhere else I want to be, and it was my dream to play at Texas. I’m going to stick it out and play there eventually.”

Ewers, meanwhile, is happy that Manning stayed in Texas. He has full confidence that Manning will be an elite quarterback in college football next season.

“I think he understands that what he’s got here is he’s gonna be the most ready whenever he goes to the NFL,” Ewers said.

“I think coach Sark (Steve Sarkisian) does the best job getting quarterbacks ready for the NFL and developing guys. (Manning will) be playing in his third year. He’ll be more than comfortable in operating the offense, and it’s just a really good fit for him."

In 2023, Manning appeared in one game against Texas Tech, going 2-for-5 for 30 yards while also rushing for seven yards on two carries.