Arch Manning, the phenom nephew of NFL icons Peyton and Eli Manning, is currently serving as the backup quarterback for the Texas Longhorns.
Starter Quinn Ewers is a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate and could very well be a top-3 pick in next April’s NFL Draft.
While Manning looked ultra-impressive in mop-up duty last Saturday, he knows he most likely won’t take a (truly) meaningful snap for Texas this season.
Appearing on the “Bussin’ With the Boys” podcast, uncle Peyton spoke about just how proud he is of his nephew and how he decided to stay in Austin rather than run away to the transfer portal.
“I think he wants to play. He wants to establish himself first. Obviously, I think they’ve got a good team this year. I’m a big fan of Quinn [Ewers]. I’ve gotten to know him. He comes down to our camp, and the two of them get along great,” Peyton said.
“I’m proud of [Arch] for staying there … Most kids would probably transfer in that setting, but he stayed there. He likes playing for [head coach Steve Sarkisian], he likes the system. And when he does get in there, he’s going to benefit from kind of having a little continuity in the system.”
Of course, Arch is under the guidance of Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, who has a well-established reputation for grooming elite quarterbacks.
Sarkisian has previously worked with notable talents such as Carson Palmer, Mark Sanchez, Tua Tagovailoa, and Mac Jones.
Peyton’s endorsement of Arch’s decision to remain with the Longhorns reflects confidence in Sarkisian’s ability to further develop his nephew’s skills.
Peyton isn’t alone in his support.
Former NFL superstar Drew Brees also weighed in on Arch’s journey, offering his perspective in a conversation with The Athletic.
Brees emphasized the importance of stability in Arch’s development: “The best thing for Arch Manning is to spend five years at the University of Texas,” Brees said. “I’ll pause and let everybody just absorb that…”
Brees highlighted the value of learning within a consistent system and growing under the mentorship of a top-tier coaching staff.
“For him to just be in a system, be in a program, learn from one of the best QB developers in Steve Sarkisian and the rest of the staff that they’ve put together,” Brees explained.
“He’s going in the SEC now, right? He’s gonna be playing against some of the top talent in all of college football. That’d be the best thing for him – just stay there, lock in, learn, grow, develop, become an incredible leader for that team and make a run at some national championships.
“Then, he will be the most prepared going into the NFL at that point.”
What are your thoughts on Arch’s decision to stay at Texas?
Do you agree with Peyton and Brees that the extra time spent on the bench will end up being golden for his overall development?
What about this year’s team under Ewers? … Assuming he stays healthy (knock on wood), do you see Quinn leading the Longhorns to the national title???