Longhorns Arch Manning satisfied with been the teams prominent QB for…

Arch Manning stands out as one of the most prominent backup quarterbacks in college football history. Despite the opportunities presented by Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal, Manning appears satisfied with vying for a starting position at Texas, alongside the current starter, Quin Ewers.

Many anticipated that Manning would secure the starting role in his freshman year, given his talent and the freedom to choose any college program. However, after joining Texas, Quin Ewers performed impressively enough to earn the starting position for the 2023 season. With Texas making it to the College Football Playoff under Ewers’ leadership, it’s challenging to argue for replacing him, even with someone as promising as Manning.

In today’s college football and NFL landscape, the focus is predominantly on immediate results rather than patience or gradual development. It’s uncommon for a highly skilled quarterback to be drafted and then sit behind an established starter in the NFL. Instead, they are often thrust into action from day one, which can lead to short and sometimes unsuccessful careers, as seen with examples like Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, and Justin Fields.

This trend is mirrored in college football, where players are quick to transfer if they aren’t receiving the desired playing time. However, football hasn’t always operated this way, and one doesn’t need to delve into Manning’s family history to find examples.

Eli Manning, for instance, served as a backup during his freshman year at Ole Miss. He didn’t earn his first start until his sophomore year, and even then, he only managed to lead the Rebels to a 7-4 overall record. Similarly, Peyton Manning began his college career coming off the bench in his freshman season before eventually becoming the starter.