If Arch Manning fails to live up to the Heisman hype, he already knows who will take his position at Texas.

In the world of college football, few names generate as much buzz as Arch Manning, especially after his highly anticipated commitment to the University of Texas. Manning, the grandson of Archie Manning and the nephew of legendary quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning, carries with him the weight of a dynasty’s expectations. From the moment he committed to Texas, many believed that he would be the next great quarterback, a player who could lead the Longhorns to national prominence and, perhaps, even a Heisman Trophy.

The hype surrounding Manning has been enormous, as his high school career was filled with accolades and jaw-dropping moments that suggested he had the tools to follow in his family’s storied footsteps. However, as with any high-profile recruit, the pressure can sometimes be overwhelming. And while it’s easy to get caught up in the Heisman conversation before Manning even takes a snap for Texas, the question remains: What if he doesn’t live up to the hype?

In the midst of this whirlwind, Manning may already know who would take his place if he doesn’t perform at the level expected of him. Behind him lies a pool of talent that could step in and compete for the starting role at Texas, ensuring that the Longhorns’ quarterback position remains a point of strength, regardless of how the Heisman race unfolds. While it’s far too early to predict the future, it’s worth exploring how Manning’s potential successors could step up in the event of an underwhelming performance.

Arch Manning: A Quarterback Under Immense Pressure

Arch Manning entered the college football world with a unique combination of pedigree and talent. His lineage—being part of the first family of quarterbacks—naturally brought with it heightened expectations. Manning’s recruitment was a major storyline in college football, with every major program in the country vying for his commitment. Ultimately, Manning chose Texas, which was an incredibly significant decision for both the Longhorns and the college football world at large.

Manning’s arrival in Austin was seen as a key moment in Texas’ resurgence. Fans and analysts alike expected him to revive a program that had been searching for stability at the quarterback position for years. Some even went as far as to predict that Manning would lead Texas to the College Football Playoff within a few years, and potentially even win the Heisman Trophy along the way. However, it’s important to remember that the expectations for Manning, as lofty as they are, do not automatically guarantee success.

As with any player, there’s always the chance that the pressure can become too much. The Heisman hype is real, and it’s only been fueled by the Manning family’s success and the Longhorns’ need for a quarterback who can lead them back to glory. But in the highly competitive world of college football, Manning’s path to success is not assured. The Big 12 Conference is filled with teams that will present significant challenges, and Texas itself has not been a dominant force in college football in recent years. While Manning undoubtedly has the talent to thrive, it’s possible that he might struggle to live up to the massive expectations placed upon him.

What Happens If Arch Manning Doesn’t Live Up to the Hype?

The reality of college football is that not all players live up to the sky-high expectations that surround them. It’s a brutal game, and even the most talented quarterbacks can have rough patches or fail to meet the high standards set by fans and media. If Arch Manning doesn’t live up to the Heisman hype, Texas is not without options.

There’s no denying that Manning’s future at Texas is crucial for the program’s success. But if things don’t work out as planned, head coach Steve Sarkisian has built up a strong quarterback room at Texas, ensuring that Manning will not be the sole player in line for the starting position. The Longhorns have options should Manning struggle, and those options are capable of stepping in if the situation demands it.

The Backups: Who Could Replace Manning?

While Manning is undoubtedly the future of Texas football, several players on the roster could potentially compete for the starting quarterback job if things don’t go as expected. Among these players, there are a few who stand out as potential replacements for Manning in the event of a misstep.

1. Quinn Ewers: The Immediate Competition

Perhaps the most obvious player who could step in as Texas’ starting quarterback if Manning struggles is Quinn Ewers. Ewers, who transferred to Texas from Ohio State, is a highly touted quarterback in his own right. Despite a somewhat turbulent 2022 season, Ewers displayed flashes of brilliance at Texas, showing off his strong arm and natural ability. His experience at Ohio State, where he was a five-star recruit, gives him an edge over Manning in terms of college football exposure.

Ewers has already shown that he has the talent to start at the Power Five level, and he would likely be the first in line to replace Manning if needed. Though Manning may be the future of the Longhorns, Ewers has the capability to take over the job should Manning fail to meet the expectations. Ewers’ strong arm and ability to make explosive plays could provide a different dynamic for the Longhorns’ offense, making him a legitimate option if Manning falters.

2. Maalik Murphy: The Freshman Wildcard

While Manning and Ewers are the most established names in the quarterback room, Maalik Murphy is a name that should not be overlooked. Murphy is a talented freshman who has been highly regarded for his size, athleticism, and arm strength. The 6’5″, 230-pound signal caller has the physical tools to excel at the college level, and many have praised his ability to make all the throws required of a modern quarterback.

Though Murphy will likely have to wait his turn behind Manning and Ewers, if Manning struggles or gets injured, Murphy could be thrust into the spotlight sooner than expected. He has a big arm and the kind of potential that could make him an instant playmaker for the Longhorns. Given his raw talent and physical gifts, Murphy is a viable candidate to take over if Manning doesn’t perform at the level anticipated by fans and analysts.

3. Charles Wright: The Seasoned Veteran

Charles Wright is a quarterback with more experience than the other contenders. As a backup for Texas, Wright has been involved in the program for several years, and he has a solid understanding of the offense. While Wright may not possess the same high-level talent as Manning or Ewers, he is a reliable option in the event of an emergency. His experience in Sarkisian’s system could give him the ability to step in and run the offense effectively, though he may not have the same ceiling as the other quarterbacks in the room.

Wright’s presence in the quarterback room is important because it provides depth. If Manning or Ewers falters, Wright is capable of stepping in and managing the offense without causing major disruption. His veteran presence could also be an asset in providing leadership if needed, and he is someone that Sarkisian could rely on in a pinch.

The Importance of Depth at Texas

One of the most crucial aspects of Texas’ quarterback room is the depth and talent available. Unlike many programs, Texas is not relying solely on Arch Manning to carry the team. While Manning may be the face of the program, he has a strong support system behind him that can take over if things don’t go as planned.

Quarterback depth is one of the most important elements in any college football program. Injuries, underperformance, or a simple shift in the team’s direction can all alter the course of a season. For Texas, the fact that they have multiple talented quarterbacks ready to compete for the starting role gives them a unique advantage. If Manning does not perform at the level expected of him, Texas won’t be left scrambling for answers. Instead, they have a variety of options that could step up and lead the team to success.

 The Stakes for Arch Manning and Texas

Arch Manning’s journey at Texas will be one of the most closely watched stories in college football over the next few seasons. His family legacy and the expectations placed upon him are immense, and the pressure will only increase as the 2025 season approaches. However, the reality of college football is that not every high-profile recruit lives up to the immense hype, and Manning’s path to success will not be guaranteed.

Fortunately for Texas, if Manning struggles or fails to live up to the Heisman hype, they have several capable quarterbacks ready to step in. Quinn Ewers, Maalik Murphy, and Charles Wright all provide depth and talent that can allow the Longhorns to remain competitive, even if Manning doesn’t take the college football world by storm right away.

In the end, whether Manning thrives or faces challenges, Texas is well-positioned to weather the storm. But for Manning, the pressure to succeed is undeniable. If he can handle it, he has the potential to become one of the greatest quarterbacks in college football history. If not, the Longhorns will have no shortage of options to step in and take his place.