Arch Manning will draw his first career collegiate start, but Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian isn’t making a permanent shift at quarterback.
Quinn Ewers exited last Saturday with an abdominal injury. In his place, Manning completed nine of 12 passes for 223 yards and four touchdowns in a 56-7 win over UTSA. Following the underclassman’s stellar performance, Sarkisian appears to have two excellent options under center.
On Thursday, Sarkisian announced that Manning will start Saturday’s game against Louisiana Monroe. However, per the Austin Statesman‘s Danny Davis, the coach also confirmed that Ewers remains the QB1 on his depth chart and will reclaim the starting job when healthy.
After leading Texas to the College Football Playoff last season, Ewers returned to school instead of entering the NFL Draft. He began his third year by amassing 691 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions before leaving a Week 3 game early.
The Ohio State transfer emerged at the forefront of the Heisman Trophy conversation after throwing three touchdowns in a 31-12 win at Michigan. An extended absence would remove him from the race, so Sarkisian must expect the 21-year-old back soon.
“With some of the games we have coming down the road, he is going to be in New York for the Heisman,” Sarkisian predicted for Ewers, via On Texas Football’s CJ Vogel.
Some observers may keep debating the Texas quarterback situation if Manning has another big day for the Longhorns. However, Week 4 appears to be a brief showcase rather than the start of a new era in Austin.
Related: Breaking: Texas Announces Week 4 Starting Quarterback