Arch Manning has to wait.
Manning, a top college football recruit and the nephew of Eli Manning and Peyton Manning, will not replace the injured Quinn Ewers as Texas’ starting quarterback Saturday against BYU, according to head coach Steve Sarkisian.
The No. 7 Longhorns are instead going with redshirt freshman Maalik Murphy, who will make his first career start.
Sarkisian has yet to decide whether Manning, who has yet to play a snap this season, will make his collegiate debut against the Cougars.
“I do think there’s some valuable experience for him in that,” Sarkisian said of Manning potentially playing. “But I have to make sure that’s in the best interest of the team.”
That the Longhorns are opting for Murphy over Manning – at least for the time being – is not a surprising development.
Murphy has an extra year of experience in Texas’ system.
It’s also uncertain how long Ewers will be sidelined, and it would potentially create a controversy for a team with championship aspirations if Manning shines while Ewers is sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Manning is considered the heir apparent for the job, and that could come as early as next season with Ewers considered a potential top NFL draft pick.
Sarkisian praised both Murphy and Manning for how they’ve prepared for the game, and noted the rapport they have with their teammates.
“They both had good weeks of preparation. … I would say (Wednesday) was Maalik’s best practice since he’s been here,” Sarkisian said. “That’s a good thing for us that as the week has gone on, his game has elevated, his understanding of the game plan has elevated, his comfort level managing all the things we do with the line of scrimmage has elevated, and I think his confidence is elevated because of it.”