Had Arch Manning chosen to transfer from the Texas Longhorns over the offseason, he undoubtedly would have been one of the top quarterbacks in the transfer portal. But his uncle Peyton Manning is proud that he didn’t transfer.
During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show last month, Peyton Manning offered his reaction to his nephew’s decision to stick with Texas even though he knew he would be sitting behind returning starter Quinn Ewers.
“I’m proud of Arch. I’m proud of him,” Peyton Manning said according to Sports Illustrated. “Most kids probably wouldn’t have stayed in that situation.”
“He went to Texas because he wanted to play at Texas. He wanted to go to college and play for (Steve) Sarkisian… most of the right reasons you should choose a college.”
Ewers decided to return to Texas this season instead of entering the NFL Draft. Manning could have left to pursue a starting job elsewhere, but Manning is glad that he stayed.
“I’m glad he’s staying there,” Manning continued. “He and Quinn (Ewers) have a great relationship and I think Quinn is going to have a great year.”
Manning’s patience was rewarded a bit this year as he got the chance to play more than expected.
When Ewers went down with an injury last month, Manning was called upon to start two games in his place, leading the team to blowout victories in both games. Then, in the team’s loss to the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday, head coach Steve Sarkisian actually replaced Ewers with Manning midway through the second quarter to give Ewers a chance to calm down.
Manning obviously would have had a chance to start elsewhere had he chosen to leave, but he’s had an important role for the Longhorns this season, as well.
We’ll have to see how the rest of his career plays out as he figures to take over the full-time starting role next season.
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