The Top 20 Texas Longhorns Moments of 2023: No. 18: Texas Tech vs. Arch Manning, his debut
On Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in Austin, Texas, Texas quarterback Arch Manning attempts a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech. Texas prevailed, 57–7. (Photo by Michael Thomas for AP)
In the College Football Playoff semifinals on January 1, the Texas Longhorns and Washington Huskies will square off. As the days go by, take a look back at the top 20 moments.
On November 24, the crowd’s words captured the essence of the Texas Tech match. Arch Manning, the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, was the #1 recruit out of high school. Perhaps more people followed his recruitment than any other high school athlete in history.
With Texas ahead 50–7 over Texas Tech in the third quarter, the true freshman joined the game. Manning played the full quarter since Maalik Murphy was hurt on the sidelines during that particular game. He carried the ball three times for seven yards and finished two for five with thirty yards.
Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian stated, “We had to try to quiet the crowd when Arch went in.” To Arch’s credit, there were undoubtedly some butterflies and nervousness when he played for the first time. I was impressed by our [second-stringers] last-90-yard drive because they made two excellent third-down conversions. To prolong the drive, the conversion to Casey Cain and Johntay [Cook II].
“In the prior drive, Manning made excellent use of his legs. Things he can improve on going forward, but pleased he was able to participate in the game.
The anticipation for watching Manning compete in the burnt orange has grown since his June 2022 commitment to Texas. Though it was merely a small preview of him in an already absurd game, it was also a window into the Longhorns’ program’s future. With Maalik Murphy transferring, Manning may get on the pitch even sooner, much to the delight of Texas fans who are demanding more from him. He will be Quinn Ewers’ backup in the College Football Playoffs, and if Ewers chooses to enter the 2024 NFL Draft, he might get into the starting lineup as early as next year.
