Arch Manning was one of the highest rated quarterback prospects college football has ever seen when he committed to Texas last year. But after spending a season on the bench, some wondered if he’d look to move elsewhere.

During media availability before the Longhorns’ matchup with Washington in the Sugar Bowl, Manning shut those rumors down – committing to staying at Texas and learning under Steve Sarkisian.

“Obviously, there’s always rumors, especially nowadays, but I haven’t looked into transferring at all,” Manning told reporters.

“I’m just focused on developing and helping this team in any way I can. Hopefully, one day playing for the University of Texas like I’ve always wanted to.”

When asked if his father would try to get big-money offers to lure him away, Arch replied, ‘I don’t think it’s about money right now.

‘I want to develop from Sark. I was told that good things happening to good people who work hard and put their head down and that’s what I’m focused on right now.” 

Arch is from Louisiana footballing royalty – which makes Monday’s game played in New Orleans all the more exciting for him.

He’s familiar with the Caesars Superdome as well: a building where he played a state championship game with Isidore Newman High School.

Of course, it’s also a place where his grandfather – Archie Manning – played quarterback for the Saints for many years. 

“It’s nice being back in town,” Manning said. “He’s my biggest role model, getting to practice and eventually play where he played is super special.” 

His uncles Peyton and Eli Manning have also played there in the past. Arch said all year, the two Super Bowl champions sent him encouragement over text message as he waited his turn to take the field.

Now, that turn could be a lot closer than it was at the beginning of the season. Arch is still a backup, but now he’s moved up the depth chart.

That’s because backup Maalik Murphy hit the transfer portal, making Arch the new QB2 for the Longhorns. 

Manning said that he isn’t planning on transferring away from Texas any time soon

If anything happened to starter Quinn Ewers, Arch would be the next in line – something that recent history says is perfectly possible.

Take Ohio State for example. Starting quarterback Kyle McCord transferred to Syracuse before the team played in Friday night’s Cotton Bowl Classic, leaving QB2 Devin Brown to start.

But Brown went down early with an injury, leaving coach Ryan Day to put in freshman Lincoln Keinholz. The Buckeyes would go on to lose to Missouri.

That’s left Arch to prepare for disaster – and to make sure that he’s as ready as he’ll ever be for this game.

“I’ve tried to prepare like I’m the starter every week, but I guess now that you’re just one play away instead of two, there’s a little more to be prepared for,” Manning said. 

“A lot of it is mental just because you’re watching, you’ve got to get mental reps and just trying to prepare like you’re the starter because there’s a good chance you play. 

After the departure of backup Maalik Murphy, Manning is now the QB2 for the Longhorns

There’s also a good chance you don’t play, but at the end of the day, it’s just football, going out there, doing what I’ve done my whole life. So that’s what I’m trying to do.”

When reflecting on what happened to Ohio State, Arch said that the situation ‘reminds me that I’m one snap away. 

‘But hopefully that doesn’t happen, hopefully Quinn has a good game and we move on to the national championship.’