The arrival of Arch Manning in the 2023 class has sent waves of excitement through the Texas Longhorns football program. After years of inconsistency at the quarterback position, the commitment of the nation’s top recruit is seen as a monumental step in restoring Texas to its former glory. Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, brings with him an immense amount of pedigree, talent, and hype. But as the Longhorns prepare for his future contributions, an important question looms: should Texas football be concerned about quarterback depth behind Manning?
While Arch Manning’s commitment is a reason for optimism, the depth behind him could ultimately determine the program’s success in the years to come. Quarterback play is often the differentiator between championship teams and those that fall short, and without a solid QB depth chart, Texas might find itself in a precarious situation should an injury or other issues arise. In this blog post, we will explore the current quarterback situation at Texas, the importance of depth, and whether the Longhorns should make efforts to bring in more talent at the position.
The Arrival of Arch Manning
The buzz surrounding Arch Manning’s recruitment was unprecedented. Manning, a five-star recruit from Isidore Newman High School in New Orleans, had been courted by some of the top college football programs in the nation before ultimately choosing Texas over LSU, Georgia, and Alabama. His choice to play in Austin represents a turning point for the Texas football program, which has been searching for stability at quarterback for nearly a decade.
Arch’s physical attributes are impressive. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 215 pounds, Manning possesses the size and strength to compete at the college level immediately. He’s been heralded for his elite arm strength, accuracy, and football IQ, traits that make him a potential game-changer for Texas. Moreover, Arch’s pedigree cannot be overlooked. The Manning family has produced two future Hall of Famers in Peyton and Eli, and Arch has been groomed from a young age to succeed at the highest level. His high school career saw him break numerous records and earn all the accolades one might expect of a player with such a prestigious last name.
Manning’s arrival represents a major step forward for Texas, especially when considering the struggles the program has had in recent years at the quarterback position. From Sam Ehlinger to Hudson Card and Casey Thompson, the Longhorns have cycled through multiple quarterbacks without finding consistent success. Manning is expected to bring much-needed stability and perhaps the type of quarterback play that has been missing for years.
The State of Texas’ Quarterback Depth
While the arrival of Arch Manning is a welcome development, Texas’ quarterback depth chart may not be as deep as fans would like. Manning may be the crown jewel of the program, but behind him, the Longhorns will need to rely on other quarterbacks who have less experience and have shown mixed results at the college level.
Currently, Texas has a few quarterbacks on its roster that could play behind Manning, but the depth behind him remains an area of concern. Here’s a breakdown of the quarterbacks currently on the roster:
- Quinn Ewers: Ewers, a former five-star recruit, transferred to Texas from Ohio State before the 2022 season. He was highly touted for his strong arm and ability to make all the throws, but his first season with the Longhorns was up-and-down. Ewers showed flashes of brilliance, but he also struggled with consistency. Texas fans are hopeful that he will continue to develop under head coach Steve Sarkisian, but if Manning arrives and Ewers does not meet expectations, the Longhorns could be left in a difficult position.
- Maalik Murphy: Murphy, a four-star recruit in the 2022 class, is another talented quarterback on Texas’ roster. However, he has not seen significant playing time yet. Like Ewers, Murphy has plenty of raw talent, but his development is still a question mark. As of now, he’s seen as a potential backup or future starter, but whether he can be counted on as the primary backup to Manning remains to be seen.
- Arch Manning: The hope is that Manning will be able to step in and start for Texas as soon as he arrives, but the question is what happens if he struggles or if an injury occurs. Having a reliable backup who can step in and take the reins is crucial in college football, and if Manning is indeed the future face of the program, Texas cannot afford to have significant drop-off in performance behind him.
Why Quarterback Depth Matters
The importance of quarterback depth cannot be overstated in college football. A team’s success often hinges on the play of the quarterback, and with the physicality of the game and the increased likelihood of injuries, it’s essential for programs to have multiple quarterbacks who can step in and lead the team.
Texas learned this lesson the hard way in 2022, when starting quarterback Quinn Ewers suffered an injury early in the season, and the team was forced to rely on backup Hudson Card. While Card was capable, the lack of a clear starter behind Ewers set Texas back. In the modern game, where teams often rely on a mobile and dynamic quarterback, having multiple competent quarterbacks is even more critical. A team with depth at the position is better equipped to weather the storm when things don’t go as planned.
Additionally, quarterback depth can also impact recruiting. If Texas can demonstrate that it develops and nurtures quarterbacks, it will make the program more attractive to top-tier prospects. With Manning on the roster, the Longhorns are already a destination for quarterbacks, but the development of his potential backups will also influence future recruiting classes.
Should Texas Add More Quarterback Depth?
Given the current state of the quarterback depth chart, it’s clear that Texas would benefit from adding more depth at the position. Manning may be the future, but there are no guarantees in college football, and the Longhorns need to ensure that they have a reliable contingency plan if things don’t go according to plan.
Texas could look to add another quarterback to the roster, either through recruiting or the transfer portal. Recruiting high school quarterbacks who can develop into future stars is important, but bringing in an experienced transfer could provide an immediate safety net. This would not only add depth to the roster but also increase competition within the program, which can lead to better performance from all involved.
Another strategy could be to focus on developing the quarterbacks already on the roster, such as Ewers and Murphy. If Texas can continue to build solid depth behind Manning, the team will be better prepared for any scenario. Having multiple quarterbacks with starting potential will ensure that Texas isn’t left vulnerable in the event of an injury or poor performance.
Conclusion
Arch Manning’s arrival at Texas is a momentous occasion for the Longhorns football program. However, while his potential is undeniable, quarterback depth remains a critical issue for the team. Texas cannot afford to rely solely on Manning and hope that he will be the answer for the next several seasons. The Longhorns should look to bolster their quarterback depth, whether through recruiting or the transfer portal, to ensure that they have reliable options should the need arise.
The future of Texas football is bright with Manning in the fold, but securing a solid backup plan at quarterback will be essential for the program’s long-term success.