Steve Sarkisian reveals how Texas will use Arch Manning differently than Quinn Ewers

With Quinn Ewers now in the NFL, the Arch Manning Era is officially due to begin at Texas Aug. 30. The Longhorns offense might also take on a new look considering Manning’s dual-threat ability, head coach Steve Sarkisian told ESPN’s Heather Dinich.

Manning sat behind Ewers for two seasons after arriving as a top-rated recruit, but made a major impact in 2024 with a package of run plays. Ewers did most of his work from the pocket during his time at Texas, while Manning presents more of a threat with his legs. The former Five Star Plus+ prospect totaled 108 yards and four touchdowns in 25 rushing attempts, while also throwing for 939 yards and nine touchdowns.

Sarkisian said the playbook might not see any major changes, necessarily. But given Manning’s ability to make plays with his legs, Texas could opt to throw some of those looks at opposing defenses, particularly in the red zone.

“We may not change so much, but his ability to use his legs on third down in the red area to create plays when people are in man coverage and people are blitzing and there’s voids to go run, I think would be another component to that as well,” Sarkisian told ESPN.

Steve Sarkisian: Arch Manning’s athleticism is a threat

Texas’ Week 1 matchup against Ohio State – on the big stage in Columbus with College GameDay in attendance – won’t be Manning’s first start, though. He got some run last year against Louisiana-Monroe and Mississippi State after Ewers suffered an injury.

With two years in the scheme under his belt, Manning has a strong understanding of what Steve Sarkisian wants out of his offense. But that rushing ability is key, particularly when it comes time for short-yardage play calls.

“The beauty of it for us right now is we have two years with Arch of working with him every day and have a really good understanding of the things that he’s good at, and so we can focus and tailor things around what he does well,” Sarkisian said.

“Probably the most natural thing is his athleticism to where he’s a threat. When he runs the ball, you have to account for him because there’s a speed component to the way he runs, and there’s a physical component to the way he runs. And so some of the things that we’re able to do in short yardage may be a little bit different than where we’ve been in the past.”

Texas and Ohio State will serve as one of the marquee games of the Week 1 slate. Kickoff is set for Aug. 30 at 1 p.m. ET on FOX.