Texas QB starting projections 2024: Can Arch Manning become Steve Sarkisian's QB1?

The Texas Longhorns made it to the college football playoffs last season and entering 2024, there are high expectations for the team. After SEC induction, the Longhorns seem set, with Quinn Ewers returning and Arch Manning as the backup.

Ewers decided to return to school instead of being a likely first-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft. But, with Manning behind him, will the quarterback prodigy overtake him as the Longhorns starter in 2024?

Texas QB starting Projections 2024

Although Arch Manning is entering his second year at Texas, Quinn Ewers is the starting quarterback for the Longhorns.

Back in February, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian shut down all the rumors and made it clear that Ewers will be the starting quarterback for the Longhorns in 2024.

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

Sarkisian believes the experience of the Ewers will help Texas in 2024, especially as they play in the SEC.

"I don't think that Quinn was a finished product yet. And I think there's there's plenty of room for growth and improvement in development in his game, going into year three," the coach said. "I do think his experience, his maturity are all going to be things he can benefit from."

Even though Ewers will be the starting quarterback for 2024, if he gets injured, Sarkisian says he has confidence in Arch Manning to come in and play well if his number gets called. He also said that he will do everything in practice to be ready in case he has to go into a game or start a game.

"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.

Last season, Ewers went 272-for-394 for 3,479 yards, 22 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Manning, meanwhile, went 2-for-5 for 30 yards.

Texas' third-string quarterback is freshman Trey Owens. Owens was a four-star recruit in the class of 2024 and was the 16th-ranked quarterback in the class, according to 247Sports. It is likely he will redshirt his freshman season, with Ewers and Manning ahead of him.

The Longhorns will open their 2024 season at home on August 31 against Colorado State. Texas will have notable games against Mississippi State, Oklahoma, Georgia, Florida, Michigan, and Texas A&M, among others.