Coach Steve Sarkisian announces Arch Manning as Texas' starting QB.

Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian announced that highly regarded sophomore Arch Manning would be the starting quarterback for the Longhorns in their Week 4 game against Louisiana Monroe.

During his freshman season, Manning did not start in any games. In the 2024 campaign, Quinn Ewers was once again named the starter. However, Manning stepped in for Ewers after the latter suffered an abdominal injury during Texas' game against UTSA on Sept. 14. Sarkisian later described Ewers' injury as a non-contact oblique strain. His status is currently considered day-to-day.

"Sarkisian stated that Quinn has made significant progress since Saturday night and expressed excitement for his future as a player and the season ahead for the team. He also emphasized the importance of getting Quinn healthier for the long term, as it would benefit the team as they prepare for SEC play."

In Austin, the Longhorns' 56-7 victory was due to Manning's dazzling performance, which included five touchdowns.

After the game, Sarkisian commended Manning for stepping up.

""Having a backup with limited experience can be challenging. Arch was our third player last year, and playing in front of a large crowd is not an easy task. Despite this, I am proud of Arch's performance," Sarkisian stated, as reported by the New York Post."

As a starting quarterback, the redshirt freshman, who is the nephew of NFL greats Peyton and Eli Manning, will soon make his debut on the college football field.

Manning received SEC Co-Freshman of the Week honors after throwing four touchdowns and scoring on a 67-yard scramble.

Manning will have to start the game plan from the opening series and maintain it throughout the game against UL Monroe, as Sarkisian pointed out that Manning always approaches a game with the mindset that he could start.

"Sarkisian stated that Arch is more than capable, as we all know. He has already proven his ability to play with five touchdowns coming in off the bench. Now, it's about executing the plan, doing it with confidence, and fixing any issues that arise on the field."

The Longhorns are heavily favored to win against UL Monroe in the upcoming matchup. Texas has moved up to the top spot in the latest AP Top 25 rankings, while Georgia remains at No. 1 in the Coaches Poll.

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