How much will Arch Manning, probably the most famous backup QB in college football, play for Texas in 2024?

In the newest episode of “Fansville”, Deputy Quinn Ewers is asked to call for backup, but refuses. After a transient exchange along with his colleague, Texas' third-year quarterback delivers the punch line.

“We don’t need any reinforcements, even if he has great hair and famous relatives,” said Ewers.

The Arch Manning reference is each a fun moment and a clever touch in Ewers' national Dr. Pepper industrial. But it also points to the unique dynamic at play in Texas. Ewers, the previous top recruit in America, is probably the most recognizable names in sports, a Heisman Trophy candidate who led the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff last yr.

But Manning, the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, grandson of Archie Manning and son of Cooper, still looms large, not less than figuratively, due to those famous relatives and Arch's high recruiting status (he was also the highest recruit in his class). That Arch appeared in two games and attempted just five passes in his profession with the Longhorns, yet is called within the starting quarterback's list, underscores the fascination surrounding him.

But 19 months into his college profession, we've only seen 27 game snaps of Arch, which only adds to the intrigue (fans love the backup quarterback, right?). How much will we see from the redshirt freshman in 2024?

Manning stays patient

One of the primary questions casual observers ask about Manning is whether or not he has considered a trade since he hasn't been within the starting lineup yet. So far, Manning has shown no indication that that is an option.

It is cheap to wonder, because transfer quarterbacks have develop into the norm. Of the 68 power conference teams, 43 transfers are expected to start out this season, in accordance with Yahoo Sportsa rate of 63 percent.

But when asked in December before the Sugar Bowl if he was considering a transfer while coaching because the third-ranked coach for a lot of the season, Manning said “no.”

“I haven't considered transferring at all,” he said on the time. “I'm just focused on developing this team and helping them in any way I can. And hopefully one day I'll be playing for the University of Texas like I've always wanted to.”

This summer on the Manning Passing Academy, he reiterated his desire to remain in Austin, but in addition acknowledged how difficult it’s to stay patient.

“It's tough because you want to be out there and play with your guys,” Manning said in July. “But I realized I don't want to be anywhere else and it was my dream to play in Texas. I'm going to stick it out and play there at some point.”

Manning and his family put numerous time and care into the recruiting process. Arch knew what he was stepping into since Ewers was already at Texas. The likelihood to develop under Texas coach Steve Sarkisian, who has a protracted history of coaching successful quarterbacks, was vital to Manning.

Sarkisian's students include former USC quarterbacks Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart and Mark Sanchez, former Washington quarterback Jake Locker and former Alabama quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones.

“Part of your recruiting is your track record,” Sarkisian said at SEC Media Days. “We've been fortunate to be able to coach some pretty good quarterbacks. We've been fortunate to be able to do that for a couple of decades. We've been fortunate to have some really good quarterback teams, and I think the Manning family is pretty aware of that.”

“I think they trained Arch to put himself in the best position to play in the best league in America and then ultimately put himself in the best position to advance his career in the National Football League.”

Because of this plan, Sarkisian believes Manning's decision to attend and see was not too difficult.

“I think Arch's development has been important for the family and he benefits from it,” Sarkisian said. “It hasn't been difficult at all. I think for him it's been pretty easy.”

Ewers is firmly established as a daily player

In 2024, there's little question who Texas' starting quarterback is, nor should there be. Ewers, who skipped the NFL Draft to return for yet one more season, made big strides in 2023. He improved significantly in most major statistical categories, including completion percentage (58.1 to 69 percent), passing yards (2,177 to three,479), touchdowns (15 to 22), yards per attempt (7.4 to eight.8) and passer rating (132.6 to 158.6). He also became more consistent.

This yr, he's starting to point out signs of being a frontrunner. Sarkisian said in July that while he's made great physical progress, he's been more pleased with Ewers' personal and emotional development.

“That's instilled a lot of confidence in everyone in our building,” Sarkisian said. “He walks in the building like he's the starting quarterback for the University of Texas for a top-five football team, and I think that's translated into our locker room. …

“Now do I need more touchdowns, fewer interceptions, the next success rate? Of course. But I feel those things are a byproduct of his preparation, a byproduct of the boldness he exudes and the way in which he goes about his work.”

History says the Longhorns will need Arch at some point

In each of his three seasons, Sarkisian has had to rely on his backup quarterback. In 2021, he benched Hudson Card for Casey Thompson two weeks into the season, but ended up needing both due to injuries.

In 2022, Ewers missed three games due to injury and two more last year. With this season potentially longer due to the 12-team playoffs, it stands to reason that the Longhorns will need to use Manning at some point.

“I'm very confident that when Arch goes into the sport he’ll perform at a high level,” Sarkisian said Thursday.

Manning's development is exciting

Last season was a learning experience for Manning. After spending his entire high school career sitting on the bench as a quarterback 3 was challenging, especially in his first few months on campus.

“There were numerous hard days. I'm not going to lie,” Manning said in December. “I used to be never a temp in highschool. There are days while you graduate early and also you're sitting alone in your dorm room and you’re thinking that, 'This is one other day I actually have to fight for the third-best job.'”

Things obviously came together quickly for Manning in his first spring game. His athletic ability and arm talent flashed as he made his college debut against Texas Tech. But there were still freshman jitters when he dropped a shotgun snap.

This spring he showed a clear development. Manning shone in the Orange-Whites' game, appearing confident, self-assured and self-assured while throwing for 355 yards and three touchdowns. He was accurate and four of his seven incomplete passes hit the hands of a receiver.

With Texas' 2023 backup Maalik Murphy transferring to Duke, Manning is the clear No. 2 quarterback. Sarkisian said Manning took a big step in his development with the Longhorns entering the 2024 season.

“I’d probably say he's light years ahead of where he was this time last yr,” Sarkisian said Thursday. “His understanding of what we're attempting to do offensively, the nuances of the scheme, the timing of certain throws, the protections, all of those things. And I just think his overall comfort level and confidence is lots higher than it was this time a yr ago.”

On Monday, Sarkisian said he plans to use a lot of players early in the season as Texas looks to build depth for a season that will hopefully last until mid-January. “When you're a second-place team, you play in the primary half,” Sarkisian said.

Does this mean Manning will play in the first half against Colorado State on Saturday?

“We will find out,” Sarkisian said.