Arch Manning More Than Ready To Take Over As Texas Longhorns QB2 For Sugar Bowl

Arch Manning is one play away from starting against No. 2 Washington in New Orleans.

Quinn Ewers is set to start for Texas Longhorns Monday night as Ceaser's Superdome in New Orleans against No. 2 Washington in the College Football Playoff semifinal. 

No one could tell based on a photo that showed No. 3 waiting for reporters to ask him a question. Instead, a crowd engulfed the "other" quarterback in Austin. 

The Manning name carries weight in Louisiana. Inside the concrete walls off Sugar Bowl Drive, Archie Manning's number hangs on the rafters alongside other Saints greats. Peyton and Eli Manning both became household names before continuing their careers eastbound at Tennessee and Ole Miss, respectively. 

But for the first time since arriving on campus, Arch Manning took center stage as his own person, rather than the nephew and grandson of NFL royalty. For 40 minutes Saturday, he answered questions on his promotion, his family and what he's learned under Steve Sarkisian since arriving in Austin. 

Texas Longhorns QB Arch Manning  / Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports

Longhorns fans have clamored to see Manning take the field instead of Ewers on and off throughout the regular season. On Monday, they could get their wish if the injury bug strikes Ewers once more. 

Manning now is the No. 2 passer on Texas' depth chart after Maalik Murphy's departure to Duke. He's a play away from entering the game and kickstarting a new era of Longhorns football. 

This one is for the shot at the national championship, but no pressure kid. 

"I've tried to prepare like I'm the starter every week, but I guess now that you're just one play away instead of two, there's a little more to be prepared for," Manning said. "A lot of it is mental just because you're watching, you've got to get mental reps and just trying to prepare like you're the starter because there's a good chance you play. 

"At the end of the day, it's just football, going out there, doing what I've done my whole life. So that's what I'm trying to do."

The hope is Ewers can pave the way through four quarters of healthy football to secure a spot in Houston on Jan. 8 against the winner of Alabama/Michigan. That's easier said than done, and bowl games won't always appear cut and dry. 

Manning is one bad snap from entering the game and controlling the outcome of Texas' future. Don't believe it? Ask Lincoln Kienholz how it feels to take over as a freshman against a contending roster looking to show out one more time in 2023. 

That nightmare became a reality Friday evening after Ohio State's Devin Brown left the Cotton Bowl during the second quarter against Missouri. Kienholz closed out the 14-3 loss with 86 passing yards and a fumble. 

Manning said he felt prepared to fill in for Ewers in case of injury. Why? Mentality. Manning treated himself like a starter despite being third on the depth chart, so the only thing that will change is personnel rather than personality. 

"When my name is called, I'm going to go out there and be ready to roll," said Manning. 

The Sugar Bowl has played a role in Manning's life growing up in New Orleans. He said his family attended the game every year as a child growing up in the city. Living near the practice facility, Manning would also visit with opposing teams while Grandpa Archie met with the coaching staff. 

Monday will mark the first time Arch Manning has stepped foot in the Superdome as a player. During his three seasons as Isidore Newman's starter, he never could punch the ticket to the state title. 

Win or lose, Monday won't be the last time Manning takes the field with the Longhorns. Amid speculation via social media, the freshman has no intention of leaving Austin via the transfer portal. 

When asked if he and his family would listen to offers with significant NIL perks, Manning said it's not about the money but rather the concept under Sarkisian. 

"I was told that good things happen to good people who work hard and put their heads down, and that's what I'm focused on right now," said Manning.

Ewers could enter the draft with an impressive showcase over the next two weeks. That would open the door for Manning to start as Texas arrives in the SEC. 

Ewers could also return for another season. Manning isn't already locked in for next year. He said his uncles Peyton and Eli have advised him on how to deal with waiting to play, so what's another year of sitting for his shot? 

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Sarkisian might not be ready to name Arch the starter, but he's seen "drastic improvement" over the past 11 months that could come in handy in a pinch. 

"He's worked so hard to improve his game not only physically but mentally," said Sarkisian. "He's fun to coach because he's coachable. He wants to do it right. You definitely see the Manning gene in him. The work ethic is undeniable. The football IQ is undeniable. We're fortunate to have him."