"I never was a backup" - When Arch Manning opened up about the 'biggest learnings' from his first year at Texas

The Arch Manning story seemed to take a turn when the quarterback played three consecutive games when the Texas Longhorns lost QB1 Quinn Ewers to an oblique injury in Week 2 against the UTSA Roadrunners. Manning has registered 920 passing yards resulting in nine touchdowns and two interceptions but has once again been usurped by Ewers.

There was speculation about Manning's future after Ewers opted to return to Texas instead of declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft. During a January 2024 appearance on "WGNO News," Manning revealed what he learned from being a backup for the first time in his career (0:25).

"I think I've learned a lot this season," Arch Manning said. "I've learned a lot from Quinn (Ewers) and Maalik (Murphy) and coach Sark (Steve Sarkisian) and coach Miller. So it's been a fun year of development, and I'm excited that we're in this position ... In high school, I never was a backup, so this year, being second string and third string, you get to be behind and learn from the other guys and try to stay patient.

"I think I've learned a lot from Quinn and coach Miller. I'm just trying to grow and learn each day ... A lot of it is mental, you've gotta take a lot of mental reps and try to prepare 'cause there's a good chance you might not play but there's a good chance you may play."

Why Arch Manning didn't leave Texas

When Quinn Ewers returned to Texas, speculation around Arch Manning's future hit high gear, but during an interview with "The Athletic," Manning revealed why he did not enter the transfer portal.

"It's tough because you want to be out there playing with your boys," Manning said. "But [it came down to] just realizing there's nowhere else I want to be, and it was my dream to play at Texas. I'm going to stick it out and play there eventually."

The Texas QB's famous uncle, Peyton Manning, also revealed during an episode on "The Pat McAfee Show" why his nephew opted to remain in coach Steve Sarkisian's program.

"I'm proud of Arch. I'm proud of him," Peyton said. "Most kids probably wouldn't have stayed in that situation. He went to Texas because he wanted to play at Texas. He wanted to go to college and play for (Steve) Sarkisian ... most of the right reasons you should choose a college. I'm glad he's staying there. He and Quinn (Ewers) have a great relationship and I think Quinn is going to have a great year."

Steve Sarkisian has reiterated several times in the past that when both are fit, Quinn Ewers is the Texas Longhorns' starting QB and Arch Manning will bide his time for the QB1 spot.