Arch Manning Not Considered College Football's No. 1 Backup Quarterback

Last season, the Texas Longhorns reached the College Football Playoff with starting quarterback Quinn Ewers. Ewers is back for another season in Austin, meaning Arch Manning will likely be the backup in 2024.

Manning was the top overall recruit and quarterback from the 2023 class, per the On3 Industry Rankings . He saw time in two games last season. Manning played against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the regular season and took the final snaps against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the Big 12 Championship.

247Sports recently released a list of the top backup quarterbacks heading into 2024. Manning came in at No. 2 on the list behind Florida Gators' backup DJ Lagway. He will back up Graham Mertz in Gainesville.

Lagway was the top QB from the 2024 class, per the On3 Industry Rankings . However, Lagway has not yet seen the field for Florida.

Manning started his career at Texas as a third-string behind Maalik Murphy and Ewers last season. Murphy has since transferred to the Duke Blue Devils. Murphy was a recruit in the 2022 class and was a former four-star prospect, per the On3 Industry Rankings . Murphy saw action in seven games for Texas with two starts.

Texas and the Oklahoma Sooners made a big move this offseason, going from the Big 12 to the SEC. It looks like fans will have to wait at least another season to see Manning receive significant playing time.

Texas opens the 2024 season against the Colorado State Rams on Aug. 31.

Related: Arch Manning Breaks Silence On Relationship With Quinn Ewers