Arch Manning is getting his chance to start for No. 1 Texas.
The second-year freshman, who has impressed the Longhorns in two games this season, will make his first career start Saturday night against Louisiana-Monroe while regular starter Quinn Ewers heals from a strained muscle in his abdomen.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said on Thursday that he wanted Ewers to rest for at least another week before the Longhorns begin SEC play on September 28 against Mississippi State.
For now, the team will rely on Manning, the grandson of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning and the nephew of Super Bowl champions Peyton and Eli Manning. He was also the top-rated recruit from high school after the 2022 season.
Texas holds the No. 1 rank for the first time since a brief run in 2008.
“Arch is more than capable,” Sarkisian said. “I don’t think he has to focus on leading right now. I think he needs to focus on knowing what he’s supposed to do and doing it at a high level.”
Manning has been impressive in his first two outings this season.
He scored his first career passing and running touchdowns in a season-opening win against Colorado State, then followed it up with four passing touchdowns and a 67-yard touchdown run against UTSA after Ewers got hurt in the second quarter. Manning has completed 14 of 18 passes for 318 yards and five touchdowns.
“I know he’ll be more than ready for the challenge,” Sarkisian said.
Texas will be ULM’s first-ever opponent ranked No. 1. First-year head coach Bryant Vincent has brought in 73 new players to the team, including 17 junior college transfers and 13 from four-year schools. The Warhawks had a tough season last year, finishing 2-10.
