Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant believes Arch Manning could lead the No. 3 Texas Longhorns into the College Football Playoff if Quinn Ewers isn't available due to injury.
On Wednesday, Bryant responded to a fan on X, who suggested that the Longhorns might not make the playoffs if their starting quarterback, Ewers, wasn't fit enough to play.
"You sound crazy…. ARCH about to go crazy!!" Bryant tweeted.
Ewers is reportedly dealing with a mild ankle sprain heading into Texas' final regular season game against No. 20 Texas A&M on Saturday. Although Ewers is slated to start, he might not be at his best to face the Aggies in the Week 14 game.
This has led to rumors suggesting that Manning might be given a few extra reps against Texas A&M. There is also a possibility that Manning might get the nod to start in the College Football Playoff if Ewers continues to struggle with his injury.
A win against the Aggies will likely secure the Longhorns' spot in the playoffs, but some believe they could drop a few places in the AP Poll rankings if Ewers is ruled out due to injury. Nevertheless, Manning has proven that he can be a solid backup option if Ewers is unable to play.
Ewers injured his ankle in the first half of Texas' 31-14 win over Kentucky on Saturday. However, he did not miss a snap despite spending some time in the medical tent.
Arch Manning has filled in well as Quinn Ewers' backup this season
Arch Manning has thrown for 939 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions this season. He has also posted 81 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
Manning has started two games for Texas when Ewers was dealing with an abdominal injury. He led the Longhorns to wins over ULM and Mississippi State.
Since Ewers is set to declare for the 2025 NFL draft, Manning is likely to succeed him as Texas' QB1 next season.
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