Arch Manning, the top-ranked quarterback in the 2023 recruiting cycle, didn’t get any playing time in Wednesday’s nail-biting double-OT College Football Playoff quarterfinal thriller. Instead, the third-year starter, Quinn Ewers, stepped onto the field and orchestrated an exhilarating last-minute victory.
Ewers, who had been making headlines all week due to a lucrative transfer offer of nearly $6 million, completed 20 out of 30 passes for 322 yards, four touchdowns (three passing and one rushing), and one interception. In the process, Ewers showcased an impressive performance with a quarterback rating of 183.2.
Texas fans took to social media to discuss the absence of Manning in the crucial game. With one user jokingly asking if he was even at the game. Yes, the backup elite quarterback was present.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DEQFzB6x_m-/?igsh=aWRsNmRjM2lxMGlv
For real, Arch Manning is at the game, right?
— Mark Nagi (@MarkNagi) January 1, 2025
Another Longhorn fan took to social media to ask if Arch Manning could kick, following Bert Auburn’s two crucial missed field goals late in the fourth quarter, including one that could have sealed the deal in regulation.
Can Arch Manning kick? pic.twitter.com/42bpsQAebF
— Message Board Geniuses (@BoardGeniuses) January 1, 2025
https://x.com/redditcfb/status/1874574524727046401
Quinn Ewers, still largely projected to consider the NFL Draft for 2025, is uncertain about the school that offered him nearly $6 million, almost three-quarters of Steve Sarkisian’s salary, to transfer. Arch Manning remains the favored candidate to lead the Longhorns in 2025, with the opening game scheduled for Ohio State in Columbus. This could be a potential opponent for the Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl CFP Semifinal next Tuesday.