“It takes a while to learn everyone’s name” - $2.8M NIL-valued Arch Manning reveals major reason behind not entering the transfer portal

Steve Sarkisian has successfully developed one of the best quarterback rooms in the country. With talented players like Trey Owens, Arch Manning and Quinn Ewers, the Texas Longhorns are in a good situation going into the 2024-25 college football season.

After last year, many expected and hoped Manning would jump the ship and enter the transfer portal due to the quarterback competition there. However, Manning has clarified his intentions to stay with Steve Sarkisian's team for the long run and trust the process.

During the annual Manning Passing Academy, Arch Manning talked about one of the main reasons contributing to his decision to stay with the Longhorns:

"I like the coaching staff, I like the people in the building and it takes a while. As a quarterback you try to make an impact where you are. It takes a while to learn everyone's name and learn the trainer's name and all the staff.

"So I didn't want to have to go somewhere else and redo that. I like the situation I'm in. Sometimes got to stay patient and stay ready for your turn. I'm happy where I am. I can't wait to stay there for more years and win some games." [Time stamp: 0:10]

Steve Sarkisian gets a chuckle out of Arch Manning's transfer portal conversation

Manning, who has a NIL valuation of $2.8 million as per On3.com, was expected to sit out a year before becoming the starting quarterback for Texas. However, owing to Quinn Ewers' decision to stay for another year, Manning may have to wait another season on the bench.

Arch Manning's transfer portal conversation grew after his electrifying performance during the 2024 spring game, where he went 19-for-26 for 355 yards while scoring three touchdowns and one interception.

In a conversation with Joel Klatt, head coach Steve Sarkisian highlighted how it's not unusual for players to wait for their turn to play and talked about Manning's long-term growth with the Longhorns:

"Everyone's praising Arch for staying at Texas," Sarkisian said. "He is going into year two... Everyone's saying, 'Good for Arch for sticking it out.' That's part of the process.

"We’re developing him to be a great football player and a good leader."

It remains to be seen if Arch Manning will get notable playing time in the 2024 college football season, especially as Texas steps into the SEC for the first time.