Second-year freshman Arch Manning will start this weekend for the Texas Longhorns when the nation’s No. 1 team faces Louisiana-Monroe, head coach Steve Sarkisian told reporters on Thursday. It will be his first career start in college.
Manning took over the offense in a 56-7 win over UTSA after Quinn Ewers left the game in the second quarter with an abdominal strain. In relief, Manning passed for four touchdowns and ran for another in the rout.
Earlier this week, Sarkisian said Ewers was considered “questionable” to play on Saturday, leaving the door open for a potential quick return, but it will be Manning at the helm once again.
The injury to Ewers was not caused by contact. Sarkisian said he was hurt on a deep pass to tight end Gunnar Helm two plays before he left the game. The next play was a handoff, and Ewers signaled to the medical staff before dropping to lay on the field.
“On the release he just feels it,” Sarkisian said. “He realized he needs to get it looked at.”
Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian said all the goals they have for Quinn Ewers are still in front of him. Sarkisian said he can be in New York for the Heisman Trophy presentation, win or lose, and become a Top 5 pick
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) September 19, 2024
Ewers was able to able to walk off a few minutes later and went to the locker room.
Texas is ranked No. 1 for the first time since a three-week stretch of the 2008 season.
Ewers, who garnered attention as a Heisman Trophy contender after leading Texas to a big win at defending national champion Michigan a week earlier, was 14 of 16 passing for 185 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception before the injury.
Manning is the son of Cooper Manning, the grandson of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning, and the nephew of Super Bowl-winning QBs Peyton and Eli Manning.
The Associated Press contributed to this post.
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