ARLINGTON — As the Texas football players shared hugs, handshakes and tears after Friday’s 28-14 loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff semifinal, Arch Manning sat quietly in his locker and slowly dressed.
The sophomore quarterback, the scion of football’s most famous quarterbacking family, has been the heir apparent behind center since he arrived on the Texas campus two years ago. He spent all but one snap of Friday’s game on the sideline, shadowing starting quarterback Quinn Ewers and cheering on his team.
And it will almost certainly be Manning’s team next season, especially after Ewers told ESPN’s Pete Thamel that he doesn’t expect to play college football next season.
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But Manning said such discussions can wait during an interview with the American-Statesman in the locker room after the game.
“It’s probably not the time to start thinking about next year because I have so much respect for these seniors,” he said. “I’ve learned so much from them. They’re just great people, and I’m going to miss them, for sure.”
Manning praised the team leaders such as center Jake Majors, saying “what I’ll miss the most about Jake is just how great a guy he is.
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“Jake is always a straight-shooter,” Manning said. “He’ll tell you not always what you want to hear, but what you need to hear. And he’s a friend for life. And I’m so blessed that he’s part of my life.”
And what about Ewers, who’s expected to announce his decision to submit his name for the NFL draft soon even though he has one more year of eligibility?
“I’ve learned so much from Quinn over the years,” Manning said.
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Manning served as the third-string quarterback as a freshman in 2023 but stepped into the No. 2 role this season. He started two games after Ewers went down with an early-season injury, leading Texas to a 51-3 win over Louisiana-Monroe and a 35-13 victory over Mississippi State.
For the season, Manning threw for 939 yards on 61-of-90 passing with nine touchdowns and two interceptions. He added 100 yards and four touchdowns rushing on 24 carries.
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