'That's Where He Wants to Be!' Longhorns QB Arch Manning Transfer Rumors Shut Down By Uncle Eli
To the surprise of no one who follows the Texas Longhorns football program, Steve Sarkisian quieted any outside noise regarding the quarterback position on Wednesday, stating that Quinn Ewers was the starter in 2024.
Of course, swiftly following that remark, unfounded questions began to rise on social media in regard to the future of Arch Manning.
And whether those "rumors" hold any water or not (they don't) Arch's uncle Eli Manning did his best to put those questions to bed during a recent interview on the Zach Gelb Show.
“He picked Texas because that’s where he wants to be,” Manning said in the interview. “That’s where he wants to play football. He likes coach [Steve] Sarkisian and his offense and what they’re doing. He knew last year that he was gonna go, he was gonna redshirt, get some playing time."
Manning himself stated ostensibly the same thing during Sugar Bowl interviews in late December. Noting that he is simply focused on developing his game and getting ready for whenever his name is finally called.
Still, fuel was added to the internet fire when Ewers announced his return to the Longhorns for 2024 - a move that was widely expected from all parties involved.
Including the Mannings.
Instead of taking that as a slight, getting frustrated or looking for an exit, according to Eli, the return of Ewers will simply give Arch another year to develop and be prepared for his day as QB1.
“Obviously, I think the plan was [Quinn] Ewers would maybe go in the NFL, but he’s there. It’s another year for Arch to mature, learn the offense, get bigger and stronger in the weight room, and always be prepared to play. You never know what’s gonna happen.”
By all accounts, that is exactly what is happening. Manning is growing, getting stronger, learning the system and becoming a leader within the locker room.
And Steve Sarkisian is pleased with his progress.
“I think Arch had got an extremely bright future," Sarkisian said on Wednesday. "We’re very fortunate to have him on our roster. He’s got great leadership skills, a great skill set, and so they (Ewers and Manning) are going to be big for us next year.”