TEXAS Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning displayed shades of his uncle, Peyton, during his 2024 season debut.
The 19-year-old Arch entered the game for starting quarterback Quinn Ewers in the Longhorns’ blowout 52-0 win over the Colorado State Rams on Saturday.
Texas was up 38-0 in the third quarter when they took out the Heisman Trophy hopeful Ewers for Manning.
The sophomore didn’t waste time to show off his abilities, throwing a 40-yard pass to Johntay Cook.
The next play saw Manning record the first touchdown throw of his career, finding Silas Bolden for the five-yard score on a third-down play.
Texas went up 44-0 and the youngster signal-caller wasn’t done.
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Manning added a 1-yard touchdown run on the following drive to push the lead to 52-0.
Fans reacted to the former five-star quarterback’s performance as some even believe his play reminded them of the Hall of Fame quarterback icon Peyton.
“Arch Manning definitely got the awareness gene from Peyton,” one commented.
“If Arch Manning was at any other school he would probably be in the Heisman conversation. He threw two passes and looked better on both plays than almost any QB play I’ve seen all day,” another posted.
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“If I were an NFL GM, I would already start tanking for Arch Manning,” a third said.
Of course, it’ll be hard to come close to Peyton’s 14-time Pro Bowl and five-time MVP resume.
Still, Arch has impressed the football world with not only his arm but also his legs – something that Peyton wasn’t known for.
He is also the nephew of NFL legend Eli Manning.
Arch is the eldest son of Cooper Manning and grandson of Hall of Famer Archie Manning.
He made his college debut last fall in a blowout victory over Texas Tech.
Arch finished completing 2-of-5 passes for 30 games in that contest.
Saturday was the most Manning has played in his collegiate career.
He will be the backup to Ewers, who elected to bypass the 2024 NFL Draft to return to Texas.
Ewers was 20-of-27 passing for 260 yards with three touchdowns and an interception before departing the game.
The Longhorns will have a tough task next week in facing the No. 9 ranked and defending national champion Michigan Wolverines next Saturday.