Texas is just one of four teams left in contention for the National Championship, and the Longhorns face their toughest matchup yet in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff.

After a thrilling 39-31 win over Arizona State that required two overtimes, Texas will face the eighth-seeded Ohio State Buckeyes on Friday night.

The Longhorns’ passing game continues to be a strength, as they totaled 322 yards through the air against the Sun Devils in the playoff quarterfinals. However, could young Arch Manning see some playing time against a stingy Ohio State defense?

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

MORE: Tips against the spread for the College Football Playoff semifinals

Why isn’t Arch Manning playing today?

Manning remains behind Quinn Ewers on Texas’ depth chart. That’s been the case all season – Manning has seen the field in various circumstances, but never as a full-time starter.

In Texas’ playoff wins against Arizona State and Clemson, Ewers totaled 524 passing yards, four touchdown passes and two interceptions. Ewers, who has played at Texas for three seasons, was head coach Steve Sarkisian’s first choice at quarterback.

However, Manning was still occasionally used in two ways: as a replacement for Ewers when he was unavailable and as a gadget player. Ewers missed two games due to injury earlier this season, allowing Manning to step in and make the first two starts of his college career.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL AWARDS

While Ewers was healthy but the Longhorns’ offense struggled against Georgia in October, Sarkisian allowed Manning to take a few snaps under center, but the redshirt freshman completed just three of his six passes for 19 yards. Manning also had three victories against Clemson in the opening round of the CFP, but they didn’t come away with a win.

At times, Sarkisian has shown a willingness to include Manning, particularly when Ewers is not at his best. Manning will likely get a chance to start for the Longhorns as early as next season, but with Ewers already leading the team to two playoff victories, Sarkisian will continue to give his third-year starter the QB1 reps until he’s forced to to do something else.

In Friday’s Cotton Bowl game, Manning played one snap in the first half. On a 4th-and-1, Manning, who does have some speed, ran eight yards to convert the ball. The freshman almost fouled up the play but was ejected by the referees before losing the football.

Arch Manning came in and converted 4th and 1 💪

Manning was sent off before losing possession of the ball.

📺: ESPN pic.twitter.com/6MGNGxyerO

– ESPN (@espn) January 11, 2025

Ewers came right back into the game and led Texas to its first touchdown of the night.

MORE: Why Texas’ Michael Taaffe was criticized for his controversial goal against Arizona State

Who is Texas’ starting quarterback?

Quinn Ewers is the Longhorns’ starting quarterback. Friday’s game against the Buckeyes will represent a revenge opportunity of sorts for Ewers, as he spent his first college season at Ohio State before transferring to Texas ahead of the 2022 season.

Ewers is in his third year starting for Texas and has often showcased the talent that has made him a five-star recruit. With just two more wins, he would lead the Longhorns to their first national championship since 2005.

Although Ewers is expected to declare for the NFL Draft after the end of Texas’ season, giving Manning the opportunity to assume the QB1 role, he has yet to officially announce his decision.

SN’s PLAYOFF HQ: Live CFP Results | Updated CFP mount | Complete CFP schedule

Texas QB depth chart

QB	player
1	Quinn Ewers
2	Arch Manning
3	Trey Owens

Despite missing some time due to injury, Ewers has totaled 3,189 passing yards, 29 passing touchdowns, 11 interceptions and two rushing scores this season. The Longhorns have only lost two games, both against Georgia.

Manning, the nephew of legendary NFL quarterbacks Eli and Peyton Manning, is QB2 for Sarkisian. In limited action, he has accumulated 939 passing yards, nine passing touchdowns, two interceptions and four rushing scores.

The only other quarterback to throw a pass for the Longhorns this season is Owens, a freshman who threw two passes for 19 yards against UTSA in September.