Texas Longhorns Football

The Louisiana-Monroe defense apparently isn't sweating the possibility of facing Texas quarterback Arch Manning on Saturday.

"We actually have some kids on our team who played against him in New Orleans, and a couple guys done beat him already," defensive coordinator Earnest Hill told reporters Wednesday when referencing Manning's high school career at Isidore Newman School. "So, they don't hold too much fear against him. They're not gonna hold any fear against him coming up here."

Hill didn't diminish the redshirt freshman's reputation, though, citing his family connections and the extent to which he has been groomed to be a quarterback for a long time.

Manning came on for an injured Quinn Ewers in Texas' 56-7 win over UTSA and might be called upon to start Saturday. Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian said Ewers is questionable to suit up against the Warhawks.

Before that, it was a little easier to convince yourself Manning wasn't as good as the hype surrounding him. Plenty of 5-star high school recruits have failed to meet expectations in high school, and having famous relatives who excelled in a sport doesn't guarantee anything.

After Manning's performance last week, the hype might actually be real. He finished 9-of-12 for 223 yards and four touchdowns through the air, and he broke off a 67-yard touchdown run.

You can't expect the ULM players to go in thinking they're gonna get torched, but beating Manning in high school may not count for much in Austin.

Texas quarterback Arch Manning hit a top speed of 20.7 miles per hour during Saturday's 56-7 win over UTSA, per Reel Analytics and Next Gen Stats.

That's faster than Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill has run in a game this season.

Arch Manning is FAST 🤯💨

(via @RAanalytics, @NextGenStats) pic.twitter.com/yNHZGIFWtb

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 17, 2024

Manning had a 67-yard rushing touchdown during the win, marking the longest scoring run by a Longhorns quarterback since Vince Young in 2005.

CAN'T TOUCH HIM 😮‍💨@ArchManning pic.twitter.com/65nR57qIR5

— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) September 15, 2024

The nephew of former NFL stars Peyton and Eli Manning entered the game in relief for starting quarterback Quinn Ewers. He could see more playing time Saturday against Louisiana-Monroe if Ewers remains sidelined with a strained abdomen.

Hill meanwhile recorded his top speed of 20.3 miles per hour on an 80-yard touchdown during the Dolphins' Week 1 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Tyreek Hill. 80 yards for a TD!

📺: #JAXvsMIA on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/fNSbBgqRVI

— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2024

Manning's run clocked in just behind the top ball-carrying speed of the NFL's Week 1, which was recorded by the Houston Texans' Nico Collins, per Next Gen Stats and the 33rd Team.

The 19-year-old Texas quarterback connected on nine of 12 pass attempts against UTSA for 223 yards and four touchdowns while recording three carries for another 53 yards and the highlight-reel touchdown.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian told reporters on Monday that Ewers is questionable for Saturday's game.

Sarkisian declined to name a starting quarterback on Monday but said Manning and third-string freshman quarterback Trey Owens would be receiving extra reps during practice ahead of Saturday's game, per ESPN's Dave Wilson.

Should Manning get the start in Ewers' absence, it would mark the first of his Longhorns career. He made two appearances, both in relief, as a redshirt freshman in 2023.

Manning also subbed in for Ewers during Texas' season-opening blowout of Colorado State, going 5-of-6 for 96 yards and a touchdown while adding another score on the ground.

With Ewers possibly set to miss time for his third straight season with Texas, Manning could get the opportunity to show off his speed once more if he is called up to start against Louisiana-Monroe.

After stepping in for injured starter Quinn Ewers to lead Texas past UTSA on Saturday, Arch Manning isn't getting too ahead of himself.

Per ESPN's Dave Wilson, Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian didn't name a starter for this week's game against UL Monroe but praised Manning for his attitude of being ready to excel when called upon.

"I don't do anything," Sarkisian said. "Arch is just another guy on our team, and the reason I'm able to do that is because that's who Arch is every day. He's the selfless teammate. He cares about the guys on the team. He cares about Quinn. They've got a great relationship. He works his tail off. He wants to play good football for them, because he knows how hard everybody's working. So I literally don't address it with him. I don't address it with the team. He's just part of the team."

Ewers suffered an oblique strain that forced him to exit Saturday's game in the second quarter. Manning put on a show by throwing for 223 yards and four touchdowns and rushing for another score to lead the Longhorns to a 56-7 victory. The win propelled Texas to No. 1 in the AP Top 25.

ARCH MANNING TAKES IT 67 YARDS TO THE HOUSE WITH HIS LEGS 😱

It's the longest rush by a Texas QB since Vince Young in 2005. pic.twitter.com/AjU9uSli2c

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 15, 2024

Sarkisian said Ewers is considered questionable this week and will be monitored on a day-to-day basis. Manning and freshman Trey Owens are expected to see increased reps in practice this week in case Ewers is unable to return.

If Ewers sits out, Manning has proven to be capable of leading the Longhorns to success.

Texas Longhorns star quarterback Quinn Ewers is reportedly "week to week" with an abdominal strain, according to Pete Thamel of ESPN, though the injury "isn't as serious as initially feared."

Ewers, who suffered the injury during Saturday's 56-7 win over UTSA, doesn't have a "set timetable for a return, but [there is] optimism after consulting with doctors the last 24 hours," per Thamel's report.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian told reporters after the game that Ewers suffered a non-contact abdominal injury and the severity "remains to be seen."

"Because Quinn's been through it and because those other injuries he got with the shoulder were so structural and they were contact-type injuries, I think he's probably in a little bit better spirit," he added. "But we've got to do everything in our part to get him as healthy as we can as quickly as possible."

Thamel noted that Ewers is unlikely to play this upcoming Saturday against Louisiana-Monroe, which would mean Arch Manning would get his first career college start.

He certainly looked the part on Saturday, throwing for 223 yards and four touchdowns while adding a 67-yard touchdown scamper.

Arch Manning threw a TD on his first play of the game 🎯 pic.twitter.com/4o7pbiV5k7

— ESPN (@espn) September 15, 2024

ARCH MANNING TAKES IT 67 YARDS TO THE HOUSE WITH HIS LEGS 😱

It's the longest rush by a Texas QB since Vince Young in 2005. pic.twitter.com/AjU9uSli2c

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 15, 2024

ARCH MANNING 75-YD DIME ON THE MONEY 💸🔥

(via @TexasFootball)

pic.twitter.com/NL7uW2OfxR

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 15, 2024

For most teams, losing a three-year starter like Ewers—who is a potential Heisman candidate and first-round NFL prospect—would be devastating. But Manning is a former top overall high-school recruit and arguably the most talented backup quarterback in college football, so the Longhorns shouldn't miss a beat if Ewers misses significant time.

"We practice the toughest stuff we have, because we never know when one of those guys has to go in," Sarkisian said of Manning's preparedness heading into Saturday. "We expose him to so much that I don't feel like I'm handcuffed when Arch is in the game. He's been running these plays all week long. We've identified some of the things that we think he does well and that he said he does well, and we just went and played offensive football."

It appears he'll be asked to do so for at least another game or two, if not longer.

Texas' 56-7 win over UTSA on Saturday was bittersweet for Longhorns fans.

Star quarterback Quinn Ewers suffered a strained abdomen in the second quarter, leaving the Longhorns without their QB1 for the remainder of the game.

The good news for Texas fans is that Ewers' early exit paved the way for redshirt freshman Arch Manning to get plenty of reps and experience, preparing him to make a start should Ewers miss any more time.

And Manning made the most of his reps, picking up 223 passing yards and four touchdowns through the air on 9-of-12 passing. He also showed off his mobility, rushing for 53 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

ARCH MANNING 75-YD DIME ON THE MONEY 💸🔥

(via @TexasFootball)

pic.twitter.com/NL7uW2OfxR

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 15, 2024

ARCH MANNING TAKES IT A CAREER LONG 67 YARDS TO THE HOUSE 😱

(via @TexasFootball)
pic.twitter.com/Critoviw3Y

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 15, 2024

While Ewers' injury was a blow to Texas fans, they were more than happy with the performance Manning put together in the blowout win.

Arch Manning tonight since taking over for an injured Quinn Ewers with 12:19 in the 2Q:

• 6/9 passing
• 75% completion
• 223 yards
• 4 TD
• 53 rush yards
• 1 rush TD

— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) September 15, 2024

The Manning family watching Arch Manning right now: pic.twitter.com/PnJoxohVTo

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 15, 2024

Arch Manning right now🔥🔥🔥🐂🐂🐂 pic.twitter.com/D4syOzFEs3

— Apollo. (@sunniside_28) September 15, 2024

Just how wild is the Arch Manning hype train? This UTSA game isn't even over, and ESPN sends out a note saying Manning's Heisman odds have gone from 150-1 to 20-1. Wild, man.

— Brian Davis (@byBDavis) September 15, 2024

Arch Manning is about to have Every 5 star WR Committing to Texas for the next few years https://t.co/45XEGtS6rP

— Mattydubs (@MattydubsX) September 15, 2024

Arch Manning man! pic.twitter.com/UEVgyZCLmN

— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) September 15, 2024

Lmao Arch Manning really like that. What a debut

— Most Ballinest Playa (@jaay_cool) September 15, 2024

Arch Manning is going very crazy 😂

— Daun™️ (@dauntabryan24) September 15, 2024

I wish I bookmarked all the tweets talking about how Arch Manning was ranked solely on his name alone. #Texas

— Longhorn Rick 🤘🤘 (@Longhorn_Rick) September 15, 2024

Arch Manning's 5 TD (4 passing/1 rushing) are the most TDs accounted for by a UT freshman since Colt McCoy had 6 (all passing) versus Baylor in 2006🤘🏼

— John Bianco (@UT_Bianco) September 15, 2024

Arch Manning the best in the world

— K. Egbe (@SoleDreams) September 15, 2024

arch manning completed 9 passes and 5 of them were touchdowns

— good kid DAAD city (@TheNumptyDance) September 15, 2024

When Manning committed to Texas, fans knew he would be special. He was the No. 1 player in the nation, according to 247Sports Composite, and obviously has good genes with his uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning, being NFL legends.

If his performance on Saturday is any indication of how good he is going to be, the future is bright for Manning.

Ewers' timeline isn't clear at this point, but a strained abdomen likely won't be a season-ending injury. Manning is clearly on his way to being a standout starter for the Longhorns, but it's hard to imagine he'll remain in the starting role once Ewers has recovered.

The veteran quarterback led Texas to the College Football Playoffs last year and has already picked up a big win over Michigan this year, and the Longhorns will likely stick with him under center assuming he makes a full recovery in the coming weeks.

Texas will have another manageable game next week as it faces UL Monroe, meaning getting Ewers back on the field isn't as urgent.

Former NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning may have been known for their passing abilities, but on Saturday night all focus was on their nephew's run game.

Texas quarterback Arch Manning, playing in relief for starter Quinn Ewers on Saturday, ran for a 67-yard touchdown against UTSA.

ARCH MANNING TAKES IT A CAREER LONG 67 YARDS TO THE HOUSE 😱

(via @TexasFootball)
pic.twitter.com/Critoviw3Y

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 15, 2024

The touchdown marked the longest touchdown rush by a Texas quarterback since Vince Young ran in an 80-yard score in 2005.

The carry came as surprise to fans given both Eli and Peyton Manning's reputations as pass-first quarterbacks.

Mannings aren’t supposed to move like this: https://t.co/tUNMhGGHMc

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 15, 2024

Never seen a Manning move like that in my life

— J.D. PicKell (@jdpickell) September 15, 2024

I’ve never seen a Manning run that far or that fast.

— sarahtiana.bsky.social (@sarahtiana) September 15, 2024

https://twitter.com/alex_kirshner/status/1835110423198056844

Arch Manning got EVERY OUNCE of Manning athleticism in the UNIVERSE and some. He a brother from a different mother. pic.twitter.com/dnjhnXvwqu

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 15, 2024

Peyton Manning mentioned his nephew's running ability in a recent appearance on the Pat McAfee Show.

"My dad's speed and athletic ability kind of skipped a generation," Peyton Manning said. "It went to him. It did not come to me and Eli. So he can run, he can move."

The Manning brothers have been giving similar comments for years. Eli Manning said after Arch committed to Texas in 2022 that the then-high school student was "more athletic than Peyton or I."

"Maybe a little bit bigger than Peyton or I, and so I think he's got the ability to scramble around and run around— probably more similar to my dad (Archie) than Peyton or I," Eli Manning said.

The Manning family watching Arch Manning right now: pic.twitter.com/PnJoxohVTo

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 15, 2024

Shoutout to Cooper Manning because no child of Peyton or Eli would ever be able to do this https://t.co/jXYSQgPlGY

— They Got Me (@PaulTweetsRIP) September 15, 2024

Arch Manning: little bit faster than his uncles. pic.twitter.com/4wUKcDGJXg

— Max Olson (@max_olson) September 15, 2024

ARCH MANNING WITH A 67-YARD TOUCHDOWN RUN.

WOW.

DO WE FINALLY HAVE AN ATHLETIC MANNING?? @EliManning
pic.twitter.com/CgIrAaaBIN

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) September 15, 2024

BREAKING: 67 YARD TOUCHDOWN RUN FOR ARCH MANNING!!

This has to be the longest touchdown run in Manning Family history! Arch got all the athleticism! @TexasFootball #Texas pic.twitter.com/Gw5DdyMvJ4

— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) September 15, 2024

Fans will have to wait a few more years to see if Manning is able to translate his rushing abilities to the NFL.

Manning, who is currently in his redshirt freshman season after appearing in two games for the Longhorns in 2023, is eligible for the 2026 NFL draft at the earliest.

The NFL is about to give Arch Manning a fake ID like he’s McLovin to get him in the 2025 QB class

— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) September 15, 2024

Heading into Saturday, Manning had made one appearance for the Longhorns in relief of Ewers this season. Head coach Steve Sarkisian could take his rushing abilities into consideration when deploying him later this season.

Texas star Quinn Ewers exited Saturday's matchup against UTSA during the first quarter with an abdomen strain, head coach Steve Sarkisian told ESPN before halftime, per Yahoo's Anwar Richardson.

The quarterback went down untouched after a handoff and left the field for the medical tent, a look of frustration on his face as he hobbled off the sideline. ESPN's Matt Miller later reported that Ewers returned to the sideline without his pads, indicating that his night was over.

Ewers was replaced by redshirt freshman Arch Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning who joined the Longhorns with plenty of hype surrounding him.

On his first two drives, Manning had a 19-yard passing touchdown and a 67-yard rushing touchdown.

Archie Manning threw a TD on his first play of the game 🎯 pic.twitter.com/neEjrC8YhM

— ESPN (@espn) September 15, 2024

CAN'T TOUCH HIM 😮‍💨@ArchManning pic.twitter.com/65nR57qIR5

— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) September 15, 2024

ARCH MANNING IN 3 SNAPS 🤯

TD PASS
HANDOFF
67-YARD RUSHING TD

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! pic.twitter.com/aRZBQpqnbD

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 15, 2024

Coming into Saturday's game, Ewers had 506 passing yards, six touchdowns and an interception, leading the Longhorns to wins over Colorado State and Michigan. He has been an early favorite to win the Heisman Trophy award, and he'll hope that his Heisman campaign won't be cut short due to an injury.

While the best-case scenario for Texas would be Ewers back on the field by next Saturday, the Longhorns can rest assured knowing they have a promising backup in Manning should Ewers have to miss any time.

Manning's action has been limited early on this year as he plays behind Ewers, but he's been solid in his limited reps, completing five of his six passes for 95 yards and a touchdown coming into Saturday's matchup.

With Ewers' night over, Manning will now get plenty of in-game reps to prepare him to take over the Longhorns' starter if need be.

5-star safety Zelus Hicks committed to Texas on Thursday, per Hayes Fawcett of On3.com.

"Just the beginning," Hicks said, via Fawcett.

The Georgia native is considered the No. 3 safety and No. 25 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class, per 247Sports' Composite rankings. Hicks also received offers from schools such as Ohio State, Georgia, Florida, Michigan, LSU and USC.

At 6'2" and 190 pounds, Hicks is able to use his size to remain productive as a run defender while showcasing the ability to blitz opposing quarterbacks.

During his sophomore season at Parkview High School in 2023, he recorded 67 tackles as well as 5.5 tackles for loss (h/t Hudson Standish of 247Sports). Hicks also racked up two sacks and two forced fumbles.

His decision to join the Longhorns wasn't a complete shock, as he's made multiple visits to the school since April. Hicks discussed the message he received from head coach Steve Sarkisian after meeting with him in June.

"[Steve Sarkisian's] message was he really likes me, he really likes my character as a person, and he likes that I've got a good family foundation," he said, via Joe Cook of On3.com. "Those were the main things he was pressing on me."

Hicks is the third member of the Longhorns' incoming 2026 class, which ranks No. 7 in the country (per 247Sports). He's joining quarterback Dia Bell and wide receiver Chris Stewart in the class, as both players previously committed to the school in June.

Meanwhile, Texas' first season in the SEC is off to a strong start. The Longhorns are 2-0, recently defeating Michigan by the final score of 31-12 on Saturday.

Quinn Ewers might just be moving up draft boards early on in the 2024 season. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. certainly believes as much.

"In my opinion, right now, he's got to be right there as the elite quarterback in this draft at QB1, with Carson Beck out of Georgia, Shedeur Sanders [at Colorado]... Cam Ward at Miami, Jalen Milroe from Alabama will be there to challenge," he said Thursday on First Draft (2:35 mark). "But I think you can make a strong case right now that Ewers is QB1 in this draft."

Ewers lit up Michigan on Saturday, throwing for 246 yards and three touchdowns without any interceptions or sacks taken in the Longhorns' convincing 31-12 win over the defending national champions. He now has 506 passing yards, six touchdowns and just one interception after two games this season.

Kiper wasn't the only one who was impressed after the performance against Michigan:

Quinn Ewers: QB1? 🤘

(via College Football Power Hour) pic.twitter.com/LU4uT2w1j2

— Rivals (@Rivals) September 8, 2024

The sideline in Ann Arbor was jammed with NFL folks. Was told 3 GMs, nearly a dozen high ranking personnel and 15 teams. A bunch of those had multiple scouts. Great call by @Espngreeny here. Just like the Bama game changed everything for Ewers in 2023, this game will resonate. https://t.co/llKF3eG7Wh

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 7, 2024

Ewers looking the part

-loose natural arm
-decisions flawless
-all different kinds of throws
-feet much cleaner than the past

Absolutely in control of his game

— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) September 7, 2024

Quinn Ewers has been projected as a first-round pick by everybody. Now is stock is soaring.

— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) September 7, 2024

"There's something about Quinn in his demeanor. He's a very calm guy. He's really collected. He never rides the emotional rollercoaster," head coach Steve Sarkisian told ESPN's Jake Trotter. "When you've got a quarterback that everybody can believe in, that just fuels confidence and belief that, 'Hey, let's go do our part, because the guy that's holding the ball every play he's on point.'"

It's the sort of thing NFL teams may covet fairly early on in the 2025 draft, too.

Notre Dame seemed well on its way to a College Football Playoff spot after defeating Texas A&M on the road in the first game of what looked to be a soft schedule.

And then it lost at home in stunning fashion to Northern Illinois in its second game.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian doesn't want something like that to happen to his program against UTSA on Saturday following a headline road victory over Michigan.

"Human nature is human nature," Sarkisian said Monday, per ESPN's Eli Lederman. "So what did I do this morning? I walked them through the Notre Dame scenario of [the Irish] going into College Station a week ago and winning that game and being anointed a top-five team and in the College Football Playoff, then a week later losing to Northern Illinois.

"I showed them that clip of [Kanon Woodill's game-winning] field goal and I showed the clip of Northern Illinois storming the field this morning as a good reminder that we're entitled to nothing. We're capable of anything. We've got a really good team. But we're entitled to nothing. We're going to earn everything. And we've going to have to earn the victory here Saturday night."

Highlighting Notre Dame's failure is an ideal strategy for Sarkisian, as it would be easy for his team to let down its guard some after defeating the reigning national champions in one of the most hyped games of the early season.

It was also an important hurdle for the Longhorns, as they don't face the most challenging schedule for the rest of the year despite being in the SEC.

Only two of their future opponents—Oklahoma and Georgia—are ranked in the Associated Press Top 25, and they could surely afford a loss to one or both of them and still make the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff field.

That is, as long as they take care of business against teams like UTSA.

It is the same situation Notre Dame found itself in after clearing the Texas A&M hurdle. Only Louisville and USC are ranked on the Fighting Irish's remaining schedule, and they were in a position where losing one or both could still leave them in the field.

Yet losing at home to Northern Illinois drastically changes the math on that scenario, and Notre Dame doesn't even have a race for a conference championship to fall back on as the season continues.

Texas does, but Sarkisian doesn't want his team heading into conference play with a loss on its resume.