Peyton Manning ‘Proud’ of Arch Manning Bucking Recent College QB Trends

The Texas Longhorns arguably have the best quarterback room in the country.

This room is led by a Heisman contender in Quinn Ewers, who is looking to have a terrific season at center. And sitting behind him is none other than the most famous backup quarterback in college football history: Arch Manning.

Manning, of course, arrived as the No. 1 quarterback in the 2023 recruiting class. However, in two seasons, he has only seen the field three times total.

In most cases, a quarterback with Manning’s level of popularity and pedigree wouldn’t stick around and wait for his chance behind a seasoned veteran. It’s a narrative Steve Sarkisian has been fighting since Manning arrived on campus.

However, Manning is going against the grain and focusing more on his development rather than his immediate playing time. In other words, he has no plans to leave Austin anytime soon, and his uncle Peyton Manning is very proud of that.

“I’m proud of Arch. I’m proud of him,” Manning said during an appearance on the Pat McAfee show. “Most kids probably wouldn’t have stayed in that situation. He went to Texas because he wanted to play at Texas. He wanted to go to college there and play for (Steve Sarkisian). Those are the reasons why you should choose a college, and I’m glad he’s staying.”

Now, if for some reason Ewers returned for another season in 2025, that could of course theoretically change.

That said, both scenarios are unlikely. Ewers seems a sure bet to be selected in the first round of the NFL draft, and Manning loves Austin and Sarkisian’s offense.

As for how long Manning will stay in Texas after taking over as the team’s starter, that’s another question entirely. As Manning, he obviously has NFL pedigree, and ultimately, that’s his ultimate goal.

Luckily for him, Peyton believes he has all of Manning’s best traits, whether it comes from him, his uncle Eli, or his grandfather Archie.

“My dad’s speed and athleticism kind of skipped a generation and came to him, not me or Eli,” Manning said. “He can run. He can move … but I’m happy for him and, like I said, he’s been working hard this year.”