Arch Manning served the role of backup quarterback behind Quinn Ewers as a member of the Texas Longhorns this past season. However, Quinn Ewers has declared for the 2025 NFL draft, and as a result, Arch Manning is projected to be the team’s starter.
Barring injury, there it is highly unlikely that could happen to stop him from taking the starting job. Former NFL quarterback Chris Simms expressed his excitement on Wednesday.
Chris Simms Expresses His Excitement in Arch Manning Becoming the Texas Longhorns’ Starter
Chris Simms was a quarterback in the NFL from 2003 to 2010, appearing in 23 regular season games and one playoff game in that time. Before his NFL career, he was a member of the Texas Longhorns from 1999 to 2002.
On Wednesday, he spoke about Arch Manning and what it means for the Longhorns to have him as their starter next season.
“Arch like from people I know down there. The team’s already his, it’s been his. They like Quinn don’t get me wrong, but from everything I know is Arch is the guy. Of course the talent, Sarkisian I think is going to be able to do more with Arch.
“Not only because of his running ability, he’s a better thrower than Quinn Ewers and he’s a better I think decision maker from everything I hear where they’ll be able to add more offense on the field right. So, I’m pumped. We got it. We’re back, baby.”
“Arch is the guy.”
“I’m pumped. We’re back, baby.”
– Chris Simms talks about Arch Manning pic.twitter.com/YRagAmiHXr— Claudia (@TexasEx10) February 5, 2025
Part of what has people excited to see Arch Manning take over the starting role is they think he can replicate some of what his uncles did during their careers. While Arch Manning certainly has reached this position based on merit, there is no denying that it has helped to have two former NFL star QBs as his uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning.
Arch Manning performed well when his number was called this past season. He needed to start a few games early in the season when Quinn Ewers went down with an abdominal strain.
He performed well in those games but did not make much of an impact on the team afterward. He was used in specific situations for running players; mostly running plays because Ewers was suffering from an ankle injury.
If Ewers performs well, he could set himself up to be a top selection in the 2026 NFL draft. However, he still has several years of eligibility, so there is no rush for him to start his NFL career if he is not ready.
Dallas Cowboys- 2028???