Arch Manning Makes Definitive Statement on Texas Longhorns Future

Arch Manning plans to be with the Texas Longhorns for the long haul.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) takes the field before the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Playoff First Round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) takes the field before the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Playoff First Round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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Since his arrival in Austin, questions and speculation surrounding the future of Texas Longhorns backup QB Arch Manning have run rampant.

Whether it was after Ewers decided to return to Austin after the 2023 season, and now with questions surrounding his upcoming NFL decision, fans and national media alike have tried to spread the narrative that Manning would be heading toward the NCAA Transfer Portal at what seems like a constant rate.

However, It seems Manning officially put those questions to bed on Monday at Peach Bowl Media Day, hopefully ending the saga once and for all.

"I really have no plans on entering the portal or anything, so I don't know really know about it," Manning said when asked about the portal calendar, via Rivals.com.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs the ball  vs. Texas A&M
Nov 30, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs the ball as Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Dashawn Fillmore (26) defends during the second quarter at Kyle Field. / Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Manning even went on to address everything he has learned from Ewers over the last two years, and even referenced the noise surrounding the QB situation that has has persisted for most of the season.

"What I have learned most about Quinn is how he handles the media, and he doesn't really let that get to him," Manning said. "He treats me the same. I know it's probably not with me being the backup. Everyone's trying to talk about it. But he doesn't let it bother him at all, and he's just one of the guys and one of my good friends."

Fortunately, this long-standing 'debate' should be over soon.

At the end of the Longhorns season - whether that be on Wednesday, next week or after a national title - Ewers is still expected to enter the NFL Draft. That obviously leaves Manning as the future starter for the Horns' Week 1 matchup vs. the Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus next fall.

Until then, however, Ewers will remain the starter and Manning will fill his role in the running packages that he has be deployed in since the win over Texas A&M at the end of the regular season.

And he is content with that.

"I'm just trying to do what I can when my name is called and make the most of my opportunities, and help our team win," Manning said.

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Matt Galatzan
MATT GALATZAN

Matt Galatzan is the Managing Editor and Publisher of Texas Longhorns On SI and Texas A&M Aggies On SI and a long-time member of the Football Writer’s Association of America. He graduated from the University of Mississippi, where he studied integrated marketing communications, with minors in journalism and business administration. Galatzan started in the sports journalism industry in 2014 covering the Dallas Mavericks and SMU Mustangs with 247Sports. He then moved to Sports Illustrated's Fan Nation network in 2020, eventually being taking over as the Managing Editor and Publisher of the Longhorns and Aggies sites a year later. You can find Galatzan on all major social media channels, including Twitter on @MattGalatzan.