Why does Arch Manning wear 16? Exploring reasons behind Texas QB’s decision
Arch Manning is arguably one of the most popular players in NCAA football today. Although he spent his freshman season with the Texas Longhorns deputizing for Quinn Ewers, the quarterback is the third generation of the elite Manning family, looking to carry on the legacy left by his uncles Peyton and Eli, and his grandfather Archie, in the years to come.
When he joined the Longhorns, he decided to take up the vacant No. 16 jersey. He apparently did so because it was the same number he adorned when he took to the field for Isidore Newman High School as their starting QB. In addition, his uncle Peyton also wore the same number when representing the Tennessee Volunteers during his college football days.
Although he came to the Longhorns as the top-ranked QB prospect in the country, Manning only played two games for them in 2023. He completed 2-for-5 passes for 30 yards in an appearance on Nov. 25 against the Texas Tech Red Raiders and rushed three times for seven yards, which included a 12-yard run.
Arch Manning isn't the only player wearing 16 for Longhorns
Every player's jersey number is unique in football. However, that is not the case with the Texas Longhorns, as Manning isn't the only player sporting the No. 16 on his jersey.
The team's safety Michael Taaffe is the other player wearing the same number as Manning. When Taaffe joined the Longhorns in 2021, he chose No. 36 as his jersey number.
However, he requested coach Steve Sarkisian to switch numbers after two seasons so that he could honor his close friend, Jackson Coker, who died in a car accident in March 2021.
Besides being his friend, Coker was also his teammate at Westlake High School. When they won a state championship in 2019, Coker wore the No. 16 jersey. Taaffe produced excellent performances for the Longhorns towards the end of the 2023 season, recording 20 tackles and a pass breakup.
As per the rules, two players from the same team can have identical jersey numbers. However, both those players cannot take part in the same down at any point in a game.
Arch Manning is expected to play second fiddle once again to Quinn Ewers in 2024, who is likely to be a first-round pick in next year's NFL draft. However, Manning will be keen on getting more game time to further develop himself and look to continue his family's incredible legacy at the highest level of football under center.