Is Arch Manning QB1 for Steve Sarkisian next week? Looking at various options for Texas coach after Quinn Ewers' injury
The top-ranked Texas Longhorns have a serious question after their 56-7 home win over the UTSA Roadrunners and that is the quarterback position. Quinn Ewers suffered an abs injury and is not expected to be available for this Saturday's game against the UL Monroe Warhawks.
Is Arch Manning QB1 for the Texas Longhorns next week?
Since Quinn Ewers is potentially ruled out for next week's face-off, the Texas Longhorns are expected to pick freshman Arch Manning for the starting role in the game against the Warhawks.
Arch Manning looked impressive while covering for Ewers in the Week 3 clash against UTSA. He completed 9-of-12 for 223 yards with four passing touchdowns while also running three times for 53 yards and an additional rushing touchdown before being pulled for the third-string quarterback.
With Quinn Ewers suffering a noncontact injury, the Longhorns may want to be cautious with having him return to the lineup.
Arch Manning is going to be given the keys next season anyway, as Ewers will be involved in the 2025 NFL draft. Hence, letting him get some exposure before becoming the full-time starting quarterback certainly makes the most sense.
Arch Manning is a clear favorite in Longhorns' depth chart
When looking at the quarterback depth chart, Trey Owens happens to be the only player who happened to see the field so far this season. However, it is clear that there is not a quarterback battle for the backup position and Arch Manning is going to be the clear-cut choice with Quinn Ewers on the bench.
The conversation will persist if Manning continues to play as well as he did last week and in case Ewers returns to the starting lineup soon.
It is likely that Steve Sarkisian already has made the decision about Arch Manning starting this week but is giving UL Monroe time to prepare for Quinn Ewers as well and keeping them on their toes. If Ewers is not starting, Manning is the quarterback.