Steve Sarkisian names Arch Manning backup QB for CFP, explains process of getting him ready

Despite Texas being in the College Football Playoff, quarterback Maalik Murphy entered the NCAA transfer portal. Not because he wants to step away from his team but in today’s world, spots can be limited. Had Murphy waited until January to get on the open market, he may have not landed at a favorable program.

Murphy was the backup all season, sitting behind Quinn Ewers. Not being with the program anymore, the spot is open heading into the Sugar Bowl against Washington. It’s a next-man-up mentality for Steve Sarkisian, with true freshman Arch Manning getting a bump in the depth chart.

“Arch is the backup for this game,” Sarkisian said. “He’s more than capable than playing really good football for us. I think the opportunity he had to play here against Tech showed what he’s capable of.”

Manning had not played all season until the Texas Tech game. He got an extended run with Texas in a comfortable position and earned quite the reaction from the home Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium crowd.

Being one play away from being in a College Football Playoff semifinal is a whole lot different than a Black Friday blowout, though. Whether Ewers goes down with an injury or something as simple as his helmet coming off would mean Manning is taking a snap from Jake Majors.

You might see a freshman destination next to Manning’s name but it’s not the mentality Texas will have with the quarterback moving forward. Manning has been on campus since January and by the kickoff in New Orleans, it will be a full year. Taking the next step while on the biggest stage is how Sarkisian wants Manning to approach his recent promotion.

“We’ll get him prepared to play,” Sarkisian said. “I joked with him the other day like ‘You’re not really a freshman anymore. This is your sophomore year now. So, what would it look like going into your sophomore year and preparing to play?’ That’s what we’re doing.”

Manning threw just five passes against Texas Tech, completing two of them for a total of seven yards. On the ground, three rush attempts went for seven yards.

Not the best stats on paper but Manning was out there looking composed and did lead a touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter. Nobody in Texas will be hoping Manning has to play a competitive snap, wanting Ewers to stay healthy the rest of the way.

Sarkisian just knows he has to be ready for all scenarios.