NFL legend Eli Manning has weighed in on the ongoing speculation surrounding his nephew Arch Manning’s future at the University of Texas.
With starting quarterback Quinn Ewers surprising decision to return to the Longhorns, many wondered whether Manning would look to transfer elsewhere.
For what it’s worth, Manning has never wavered in his commitment to head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns.
However, some fans found it hard to believe Manning would return to Austin knowing that it would most likely mean he wouldn’t be taking a meaningful snap in 2024.
Appearing on CBS Sports Radio, uncle Eli put an end to the rumors and speculation once and for all.
“No,” Eli said when asked if Arch should consider transferring. “He picked Texas because that’s where he wants to be. That’s where he wants to play football.”
Eli Manning was asked if Arch Manning should consider transferring after Quinn Ewers’ decided to return to #Texas:
“No. He picked Texas cause that’s where he wants to be. That’s where he wants to play football. He likes Coach Sarkisian and his offense…”pic.twitter.com/c7IVB2OzWM
— Texas Sports Unfiltered (@TSUnfiltered) February 9, 2024
“It’s another year for Arch to mature, learn an offense, get bigger and stronger in the weight room, and always be prepared to play. You never know what’s going to happen,” Eli added.
Eli cautioned against hastily utilizing the transfer portal in response to setbacks, emphasizing the importance of commitment and perseverance (traits that are becoming a lost art these days).
As for the thought that Arch could compete for the starting job, Sarkisian (somewhat surprisingly) put an early end to that.
“Quinn’s our starter,” Sarkisian said.
NEWS: Texas' top-recruited quarterback Arch Manning will NOT be competing to be the team's starting quarterback job for next season, per Steve Sarkisian.
(H/T @InsideTexas) pic.twitter.com/yEeM50XaWU
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) February 7, 2024
Ewers was eligible for the 2024 NFL Draft. Many had thought he was near-lock to declare – but as the season played out, it became apparent that he would most likely be staying for another season in Austin.
“I think it was big for Quinn,” Sarkisian said of Ewers returning for another season. “I think [it was] pretty easy to see from the naked eye the development that Quinn made from year one to year two.”
“I don’t think that Quinn was a finished product yet. And I think there is plenty of room for growth and improvement and development in his game going into year three.
“And I think, naturally, when you get into the College Football Playoff and you look at the team that beat us, that was a sixth-year senior quarterback [Michael Penix Jr.] that played at a really high level in that game. I do think his experience, his maturity are all going to be things that he can benefit from. We’re going to need his leadership.”
As for Manning, Sarkisian praised the progress he’s made both on and off the field.
“I think Arch has got an extremely bright future,” Sarkisian said. “We’re very fortunate to have him on our roster. He’s got great leadership skills, got a great skill set. So, those two guys are going to be big for us next fall.”
#Texas QB @ArchManning's highlights against #TexasTech from this past season.
A little over 40 days away from spring football! Come talk about it at https://t.co/JHuAv9bRgu #HookEm pic.twitter.com/2qolvoloWp
— Blake Munroe (@BlakeMunroeOTF) February 6, 2024
All the attention is going to be on you when you’re a quarterback with the last name “Manning.”
However, the fact of the matter is Ewers is an elite college quarterback who looks to have a promising NFL career ahead of himself.
With Ewers at the helm (and Arch backing up), the Longhorns will enter the 2024 season as legitimate national title contenders.
— TheRealRamRod (@Ram_Rod82) February 10, 2024
What are your thoughts on Manning’s decision to stay at Texas?
If you were him, would you have looked to transfer?
Do you think Ewers has what it takes to lead Texas to the national championship next season???