Texas got back on track in the opening game of the College Football Playoff against Clemson, winning by two touchdowns to secure a Peach Bowl date with Arizona State.

The Longhorns’ passing game was fine, but it was the rushing attack that paved the way for Steve Sarkisian’s team. Jaydon Blue and Quintrevion Wisner combined for 256 yards on the ground and tore through Clemson’s defense.

While Texas is a clear favorite against the Sun Devils, winning a national championship will likely require some heroics at the quarterback position at some point. Is there any chance Arch Manning will be asked to deliver them?

Here’s what you need to know about Manning’s status for the Peach Bowl.

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Why isn’t Arch Manning playing today?

Manning is still behind Quinn Ewers on Texas’ depth chart, so Ewers will start against Arizona State, a year after he nearly led the Longhorns again in a state semifinal loss to Washington.

Ewers went 17 of 24 for 202 yards with a touchdown and an interception in Texas’ 38-24 victory over Clemson in the first round, even though the Longhorns had a 292-yard lead after their running game.

Manning appeared occasionally against Clemson as he was credited with three carries, allowing him to play a small gadget role against Arizona State as well. For now, however, Sarkisian is staying with Ewers.

Ewers was expected to take the next step this season and position himself as a first-round NFL draft candidate, but results were mixed. Texas hasn’t suffered any losses beyond its matchups with Georgia, but the Longhorns’ offense hasn’t always panned out the way many expected.

Ewers missed two games early in the year with an oblique injury, forcing Manning to play in the first two starts of his college career, and in Texas’ first loss to Georgia, Manning briefly filled in for Ewers as the offense struggled. The redshirt freshman didn’t take advantage of the opportunity as he also struggled against the Bulldogs’ defense, and Ewers hasn’t left that job since.

Even if Ewers struggles at any point the rest of the way, this would be a difficult time of year to make a quarterback change. Texas’ title hopes are in the hands of Ewers at this point, and Manning is expected to take over as the Longhorns’ starter in 2025.

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Who is Texas’ starting quarterback?

Quinn Ewers is Texas’ starting quarterback. A former five-star recruit, Ewers spent his freshman season at Ohio State but redshirted before transferring to Texas prior to the 2022 season.

With three years as a starter under his belt, Ewers ranks third in Texas history in touchdown passes and fourth in passing yards. He can rewrite Longhorn history if he leads the program to a national championship, but the path still requires three more wins after Texas lost the SEC title game and missed a chance at a bye.

Ewers is expected to enter the NFL Draft after the season, clearing the way for Manning, but he has not yet made that decision official.

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Texas QB depth chart

Ewers is still No. 1 on Texas’ quarterback depth chart, but Manning has proven he can step in when needed. Manning has completed just under 68 percent of passes for 939 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions in limited action this season, including two starts.

Manning’s mobility is another strength, although Texas has opted to stick with Ewers’ experience and reliable arm this season.

Owens is a four-star true freshman who was ranked as the No. 16 quarterback in the high school class of 2024 according to 247 Sports. Barring several injuries above him on the depth chart, he won’t see the field this season and will be eligible to compete as a redshirt freshman in 2025.

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