There's a new theory about Texas QB Arch Manning taking over the internet, but it can be easily debunked

Texas Longhorns redshirt freshman quarterback Arch Manning might be the most popular player in college football, despite the fact that he's only attempted five passes in his collegiate career.

Manning, who is set to serve as the backup to starter Quinn Ewers in 2024, is routinely at the center of some wild theories/speculation.

For much of the offseason, there were numerous articles/debates about why Manning should transfer from Texas, even though there was never even a hint that the New Orleans native was interested in leaving Austin.

Everything from Manning being unhappy that Ewers returned to Texas for another season to NIL opportunities at other programs were mentioned as reasons why the former five-star recruit might choose to leave the Longhorns.

Manning, however, stayed put. He never entertained the NCAA transfer portal and he never gave off the impression that he's unhappy at Texas. Instead, he's continued to keep his head down and work hard while waiting his turn.

That's what makes the newest Manning theory/narrative so perplexing.

There are some folks in the media who are already questioning if Manning is a distraction at Texas.

It's a bizarre question because there's no indication that Manning has been a distraction in any way. Manning's family has made it known on numerous occasions that they think sitting behind Ewers for a couple of seasons is a good thing for his development.

Manning has mostly kept a low profile at Texas while continuing to improve. One of his best friends on the team, in fact, is former walk-on safety Michael Taaffe. The duo have been described as an "unlikely pair".

From The Houston Chronicle : Yeah, Taaffe may be the best friend of Manning, the most famous name on the Longhorn roster even though the redshirt freshman from New Orleans has yet to play an impactful snap at Texas and has thrown just five passes. They’re seen everywhere, from following Scottie Scheffler around the ACC golf course during the Dell tournament to downing Bob Armstrong’s dip at Matt’s. Maybe the one-time walk-on and the biggest recruit in school history are an unlikely pair .

Manning sounds like the furthest thing from a distraction at Texas. It sounds like he's loved by teammates and respected by coaches. Since arriving on campus, he's tried to stay out of the spotlight despite his famous last name. He even initially declined to participate in the new EA Sports College Football video game because he wanted to focus on football and not be a distraction (unfortunately for Manning, that decision led to even more media attention for him...he eventually relented and opted in to the game ).

The only people that think Manning is a distraction in Austin are the folks in the national media. But until Manning gets his chance to take over as the starter at Texas, this is a narrative that will likely continue. It's unfortunate for Manning because he hasn't done anything to warrant those kinds of headlines.

Related: Texas HC Steve Sarkisian confirms suspicion about QB Arch Manning ahead of 2024 season