With Quinn Ewers officially declaring for the NFL Draft on Wednesday, one thing is certain in the 512: it is Arch Manning’s time to shine.
Manning, the nephew of Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning, is poised to step into the spotlight as the Texas Longhorns’ starting quarterback. The redshirt freshman, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 225 pounds, made two starts this season while Ewers recovered from an injury sustained during the UTSA game.
Former Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, widely regarded as one of the greatest Longhorns in program history, has already offered advice to the highly-touted recruit as he prepares for his first offseason as the starter.
“I think there’s so much value in him being in the program over the last two years and getting to see a guy like Quinn Ewers on a day-to-day basis,” McCoy said via Underdog Fantasy on social media. “What’s his schedule like? What’s he studying on Tuesdays? What’s he looking at on Wednesdays? How’s he taking care of his body? All those things, I think those lessons and hours spent in the building will play a big role for Arch as he moves forward to be the starter.”
McCoy honed in on Manning’s ability to shine in the offseason as a key to his success next season.
“This offseason, this is a time for him to attack,” McCoy said. “To work on some of the things he knows he needs to work on. He played three games. What were some things I wasn’t good at? What were some things I was good at? How can I get better? How can I have a great spring? … There’s a lot to build on if you’re looking at the entirety of the Texas football team, but for Arch, there’s a great opportunity that he’s walking into. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, go out there and be you. Play to your strengths.
Texas quarterback legend @ColtMcCoy gives Arch some advice on how to be the next Texas legend pic.twitter.com/pVH9FAyCR4
— Underdog (@UnderdogFantasy) January 15, 2025
Manning has been a headline name in college football since before he arrived in Austin. The New Orleans native, once the No. 1-ranked recruit in the nation, has carried immense expectations, and the buzz surrounding him has only grown. Now, with the Longhorns heading into their second year in the SEC, Manning will look to lead the program to new heights. Texas boasts the No. 1 recruiting class in the country, and fans are hopeful for a potential College Football Playoff semifinal three-peat under Manning’s leadership.