Did Arch Manning redshirt? A look at Texas QB’s college journey
Arch Manning is not the Texas Longhorns' starting quarterback, but he might be the most famous QB on the team. That is because he is part of the Manning family and a nephew of Peyton and Eli, both of whom are former Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks. Manning was a redshirt and did not play in his first year at Texas, but now as a redshirt freshman, he is the backup quarterback behind Quinn Ewers.
Why did Arch Manning redshirt his freshman year?
Arch Manning went to Texas in 2023 knowing there was a strong possibility that he would not win the starting role as a freshman. The Longhorns already had Quinn Ewers who performed well as the starting quarterback in 2022.
Manning went through training camp and preseason with the Longhorns, but Ewers remained the starting quarterback in 2023. Unfortunately for Manning, he also did not earn the backup role at that time. Instead, Maalik Murphy was named the backup. As a result, the decision to redshirt his freshman year was made for Manning.
However, despite the redshirt designation, Manning did make one appearance for the Longhorns in the 2023 season. During a blowout win against Texas Tech on November 24th, Manning entered the game. He completed 2 of 5 passes for 30 yards. Players are able to appear in four games and retain their redshirt status.
Manning returned to Texas in 2024 where he earned the backup quarterback job. He made his 2024 debut for the Longhorns in Week 1 against Colorado State.
With the team already up 38-0 in the third quarter, Quinn Ewers was taken out of the game. Manning completed 5 of his 6 passes and threw for 95 yards. He had one five-yard touchdown pass to Silas Bolden and also made a one-yard quarterback sneak for a touchdown. Although the game was already in hand when he entered, it was a good debut for Manning.
When is Arch Manning eligible for the NFL draft?
Although Arch Manning is only the backup quarterback at Texas, fans are already talking about when he could join an NFL team. That is largely because of his family pedigree; however, fans hoping to see him in the NFL next season will be disappointed.
Manning is not eligible to enter the NFL draft until 2026. NFL rules mandate that players need to be at least three years removed from high school to be eligible for the draft.