Will Arch Manning transfer? What Texas QB has said about staying with Longhorns for 2025 | Sporting News

The college football transfer turntable is starting to spin, and Texas backup quarterback Arch Manning is arguably the biggest name with potential to end up on the board.

Manning — the Longhorns second-year arm and nephew of NFL greats Peyton and Eli — is one of several slingers FBS coaches hope to see make a switch come the end of the regular season.

With that said, his time in burnt orange may not be over yet.

No. 2 Texas is set to take on No. 5 Georgia in the 2024 SEC Championship Game on Saturday, and head coach Steve Sarkisian neither confirmed nor denied whether Manning will see the field in support of starter Quinn Ewers.

Whether he plays or not this weekend, the 6-4, 225 pound Manning still has an important decision to make regarding his future in the NCAA and beyond.

Here’s everything to know about Manning’s potential transfer from Texas, including what the QB has — or hasn’t — said about staying with the Longhorns for 2025.

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Will Arch Manning transfer?

Whether or not he plays Saturday doesn’t necessarily determine whether Manning will transfer. In fact, Ewers’ impending decision to stay or enter the NFL Draft will likely guide the redshirt freshman in the process.

There’s no doubt Manning would fit in at almost any high-level FBS program. In his two starts — against Louisiana-Monroe and Mississippi State — he completed 41-of-60 passes for four touchdowns and two picks, passing for well over 550 yards. The Longhorns won both contests.

Manning also emerged as a serious threat on the ground, which could be why Sarkisian neglected to confirm whether Manning will play Saturday. The QB needed just three carries for 14 yards against Texas A&M last weekend to punch in a crucial first-quarter score, helping the Longhorns to a 17-7 win over the No. 20 Aggies.

Though Manning hasn’t addressed transfer rumors himself, his top five NIL valuation and the potential for Ewers to return have led many in CFB circles to place hypothetical bets on the slinger’s future destination.

If he does jump ship, he’s likely to remain in the SEC. Georgia and Alabama were both in the running for Manning’s initial commitment before he chose Texas, and LSU is in need of a QB after 2025 commit Bryce Underwood flipped to Michigan. Ole Miss is also in the picture, with Jaxson Dart set to move on from Eli and Archie Manning’s alma mater after this season.

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Texas QB depth chart

There isn’t much to discuss regarding the Longhorns QB depth chart other than Ewers is the starter, but Manning might see the field Saturday. Mannings’ playing time depends on Sarkisian’s game-plan and how Georgia responds if Manning hits the field.

Trey Owens, a freshman, has seen time in two games this season. And has competed two of his four passing attempts in limited work.

Notably, the Bulldogs dealt top-ranked Texas its first loss in late October, beating Ewers & Co. 30-15 in Austin. Manning attempted six passes for three completions and 19 yards while rushing four times for a loss of one, while Ewers threw for just under 60% for two touchdowns and one interception. 

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