Arch Manning has moved up the quarterback depth chart as Texas enters the College Football Playoff.
Maalik Murphy, the backup to Longhorns starter Quinn Ewers, announced Wednesday he is entering the transfer portal.
The news is significant on a number of fronts, both present and future.
It means that Manning would be thrust into action if Ewers is injured either in the semifinals against Washington or in a potential finals matchup versus the winner of Alabama vs. Michigan.
It could also mean that Manning would be tabbed as Texas’ starter in 2024 should Ewers opt to enter the NFL Draft.
Manning is the son of Cooper, nephew of Eli and Peyton and grandson of Archie.
He has mostly sat on the bench as a redshirt during his first year in Austin, though he did appear in mop-up duty during a blowout win against Texas Tech in late November and in the Big 12 title win over Oklahoma State.
There had been questions as to whether Manning would transfer to somewhere that he’d get more playing time next year, but the general belief had been that he’d remain in Austin.
“Based on everything we’ve heard, Arch is perfectly happy at Texas. I think the expectation is he will be back in 2024,” 247Sports’ Chris Hummer said earlier this month.
“The real question mark in the room is what happens with Quinn Ewers and what happens with Maalik Murphy. … A lot of us have been hearing similar things, about Quinn being likely to return to Texas in 2024. But you never know what happens during a College Football Playoff run. He just had the best game of his career, in the Big 12 Championship Game, and we’ll see how he plays during the stretch run for Texas. That could impact his decision.”
Murphy sounded anguished about his decision, which he made now to ensure that he has enough time to land a starting role at a robust program next season.
“I hate it, I hate it,” Murphy told ESPN. “I’m super invested in this team. Everything that we’ve done along the way and all the work we’ve put in together, it’s hard to walk away, especially at this point during the season.”
“It’s nothing against Texas at all. I’m doing this purely for me and my future. In my eyes, I’ll always be a Longhorn and a part of this great team.”
Murphy started two Big 12 wins over BYU and Kansas State to keep Texas on their march to the playoffs.
The win over Kansas State was a 33-30 nail-biter that the Longhorns won in overtime.