Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning has received very few opportunities on the field in his freshman year with the program, which has been disappointing for some Texas fans. But that doesn’t mean that Manning hasn’t been putting in work behind the scenes to make some big improvements.
Manning only saw the field once this season, playing in the fourth quarter of a blowout victory over Texas Tech. In the game, Manning threw for 30 yards on only five passing attempts.
This obviously isn’t enough time for most fans to gauge how well he will perform as a college quarterback in the future. But according to Longhorns beat writer Anwar Richardson, Manning has made some big strides throughout the season.
Richardson tweeted out that Manning has gained 15 pounds of muscle since coming to Texas’s campus. Manning has also made a significant leap on the field, to the point where he can now run the Longhorns’ entire offense.
Texas freshman QB Arch Manning has been grinding this year. When Manning stepped on campus in January, he weighed 210 pounds. I'm told Manning currently weighs 225 (all muscle). In addition, I'm told Manning has improved to the point where he can run the entire offense
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) December 15, 2023
Manning is the primary backup to Texas starting quarterback Quinn Ewers after Maalik Murphy opted to enter the transfer portal. So it is obviously significant that Manning has made these strides, especially if something were to happen to Ewers in their CFP semifinal matchup against the Washington Huskies in a couple of weeks.
It is still unclear if Manning will get an opportunity to shine at Texas next season. Quinn Ewers has previously stated that he is leaning towards returning to Texas next season instead of declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft.
That being said, if Ewers does change his mind after the CFP, it sure sounds like Texas will still be in good hands at the quarterback position with Manning.
