Arch Manning Showed His True Character After Cotton Bowl Loss

01/12/2025 09:11 AM

The Arch Manning era is set to get underway in 2025.

Some wanted it to start earlier, though. Texas lost to Ohio State, 28-14, in the College Football Playoff at the Cotton Bowl on Friday evening. While Quinn Ewers, the former five-star recruit who transferred from Ohio State to Texas after his freshman season, played well, there were many on social media who were calling for Arch Manning during the game. Manning briefly entered the game, though only for a short yardage play. It was Ewers' game from start to finish.

That'll change in 2025, though. Ewers is expected to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft and Manning is expected to take over as starting quarterback.

Manning showed his true character in the final moments of Texas' Cotton Bowl loss to Ohio State.

Arch Manning, who has sat for two seasons at Texas, could've been antsy to take over for Quinn Ewers as soon as possible. He could've been pushing to play behind the scenes or been taking potshots at Ewers through the media. He certainly would've have been the first quarterback to do something like that.

But all along the way, he's been classy and praising of Ewers. And that continued on Friday night. Manning chose to praise Ewers following the Cotton Bowl loss, for everything that he's taught him.

"I've learned so much from Quinn over the years," Manning said.

Manning also praised outgoing Texas Longhorns center Jake Majors, saying "what I'll miss the most about Jake is just how great a guy he is."

"Jake is always a straight-shooter," Manning said. "He'll tell you not always what you want to hear, but what you need to hear. And he's a friend for life. And I'm so blessed that he's part of my life."

Manning's first game as the starting quarterback of Texas in 2025 will be a big one. Ohio State is scheduled to host Texas in Columbus on Saturday, Aug. 30, in a rematch of the College Football Playoff at the Cotton Bowl.

That should be a fun one, too. We can't wait to see what Arch Manning looks like with a full season of play.