The Texas Longhorns entered the season with major hype surrounding Arch Manning, who took over starting reps after sitting behind now-Miami Dolphins quarterback Quinn Ewers for two seasons. Manning could have transferred, but instead chose to stay and compete at Texas.
“There’s nowhere else I want to be. I want to be the quarterback at the University of Texas. Sometimes it's worth the wait,” Manning said.
Coming into the year, there was speculation that Manning might play just one season at the collegiate level before heading to the NFL. However, that narrative has shifted. The current belief is that Manning will remain at Texas for at least two more seasons, as he still has much to prove.
“The word from people that have been down there visiting Texas for scouting visits has been that they expect Arch to be there for two more seasons," NFL analyst Field Yates said. "Will that prevail? We'll see, but that has been the sentiment that scouts have been gathering when they spend time around the Texas program this past season."
Manning’s season opener didn’t exactly inspire confidence. Facing Ohio State on the road, he struggled to find a rhythm and looked uncomfortable throughout. According to ESPN, he finished 17-of-30 for 170 yards, with one touchdown and one interception.
Some observers noted that Manning was throwing from awkward arm angles, leading to speculation that he might be dealing with a possible injury.
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“The Arch Manning reaction is too harsh. He’s only 21 and played against the defending national champions. Deserves time. But missing open receivers as badly as he did here (and all game) is so rough. Strange how he kept side arming it. Injury? Yips? Hmm,” Kevin O’Connor posted.
Manning missed several easy throws that should have been routine completions. Whether it was pre-game nerves or something more serious, such as an undisclosed injury, remains to be seen. Week Two will be pivotal not only for Manning but for the Longhorns as a whole. If those same mechanics appear again, serious questions will start to mount in Austin.