Is Arch Manning going to play? Texas football backup set for Michigan game

Texas football might just have the most famous backup quarterback in the country in redshirt freshman Arch Manning.

Manning, a former five-star recruit and nephew of Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning, is waiting in the wings for the Longhorns behind Quinn Ewers, who's in his third season as the starter. The No. 1-ranked recruit of the 2023 recruiting class did get to showcase his talents however in Week 1.

REQUIRED READING: Texas football: Arch Manning throws first collegiate TD vs. Colorado State

Manning completed 5 of 6 passes for 95 yards with a touchdown in Texas' season opener against Colorado State, adding a rushing touchdown. Both touchdowns were the first of his career, as Manning spent most of the 2023 season as the third-string quarterback,

Now that Manning is the primary backup quarterback in 2024, he should see much more action this season.

Will Manning play this week? Here's a look at his chances of seeing the field:

Is Arch Manning going to play?

Barring an unforeseen blowout or injury to Ewers, Manning likely won't play in Texas' game against Michigan on Saturday.

Manning, despite his obvious talent, is still a reserve option for the Longhorns, as Ewers is a potential NFL first-round pick in 2025. There's a chance Texas has special packages with Manning on the field, but it's unlikely.

Manning should be a formidable option should Ewers suffer an unfortunate injury, as he completed 5-of-6 passes for 95 yards and a touchdown, along with another rushing score, against Colorado State in Week 1.

Arch Manning stats

• 2023: 2 of 5 passing (40%) for 30 yards; three carries for seven yards
• 2024: 5 of 6 passing (83.3%) for 95 yards with a touchdown; three rushes for zero yards with a touchdown

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Is Arch Manning going to play? Texas football backup set for Michigan game