Arch Manning to start for Texas football vs. ULM, per coach Steve Sarkisian
Arch Manning will start for Texas football Saturday against Louisiana-Monroe, head coach Steve Sarkisian said Thursday.
Manning will get his first career start in place of Quinn Ewers, who suffered an abdominal strain in last week's win over UTSA. Texas plays ULM at 7 p.m. Saturday. The Longhorns (3-0) are ranked No. 2 in the US LBM Coaches Poll and No. 1 in the AP Poll.
Manning, a 6-foot-4, 225-pound redshirt freshman and the nation's top recruit in 2023, threw for 223 yards and four touchdowns on 9-of-12 passing and adding a 67-yard TD run against UTSA after coming in for Ewers in the second quarter.
ANALYSIS: Recent history says it's unlikely Manning replace Ewers full-time
According to Sarkisian, Ewers will remain the unquestioned starter once he recovers from his abdominal strain. One of the leading Heisman Trophy candidates after a fast start that includes 691 yards and eight touchdowns with two interceptions on 73.4% passing, Ewers “has made great strides” since his injury Saturday, said Sarkisian.
“But with my decision, I'm looking forward at his future as a player, but also the future of the season for us in the longevity,” Sarkisian said. “Getting him possibly one more week healthier for the long term, I think, is good for us as we’re getting ready for SEC play.”
Texas is a 45? point favorite over ULM and will likely be a big favorite against Mississippi State in the Sept. 28 SEC opener at Royal-Memorial Stadium. Sarkisian said he expects the offense to retain the momentum it has shown with both Ewers and Manning behind center.
“Arch is more than capable, as I think we all know,” Sarkisian said. “He's got a lot of confidence from his teammates and trust from his teammates to go out and play. He’s had a really good week of work and understands the plan.
“But it's different when you're the starting quarterback, as opposed to coming in cold off the bench as a backup. So, a different challenge for him. But I know that he'll be more than ready to go out and operate play football at high level for us.”
OTHER SIDE OF THE BALL: Why the Texas defense is flying around like hungry dogs
Sarkisian said a veteran offensive line anchored by All-American left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. as well as a talented and experienced wide receiver group helps ease the transition from backup to starter for the young quarterback, who comes from football’s most famous quarterbacking family. Those players will allow Manning to concentrate on his job rather than trying to rally the entire offense, the coach said.
“I don't think he has to focus on leading right now,” Sarkisian said. “I think he needs to focus on knowing what he's supposed to do and playing at a high level. I think the best way he's going to lead is by doing what he's done all week, which is prepare really well, do his job at a high level, and then his natural leadership will come out when it's supposed to. Our focus has been on him playing good football, and the leadership stuff will come as it comes.”
After attempting just five passes last season while serving as the No. 3 quarterback behind Ewers and Maalik Murphy in a redshirt season, Manning has thrown for 318 yards and five touchdowns without an interception on 14-of-18 passing this season as Ewers’ top backup. He also has an official 60 yards rushing, which factors in sacks.
Follow the American-Statesman on Facebook and X for more. Your subscription makes work like this possible. Get access to all of our best content with this tremendous offer.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas football vs ULM: Arch Manning to start for Quinn Ewers
