Quinn Ewers is returning to Texas next season, as the Longhorns look to build on their College Football Playoff appearance. However, Ewers’s return likely means Arch Manning will once again serve as a backup instead of taking the reins as Texas’s starting quarterback.
Manning has said he didn’t plan to transfer even if Ewers opted to return, a sentiment that squashed the dreams of fans whose teams need a new quarterback.
“Obviously there’s always rumors, especially nowadays,” Manning said before the Sugar Bowl. “I haven’t looked into transferring at all. I’m just focused on developing and helping this team any way I can and hopefully one day playing for the University of Texas like I’ve always wanted to.”
However, Manning’s recent comment didn’t stop some fans on social media from cracking jokes about how Manning might feel about being a backup for another season.
Here are some of the best reactions:
Quinn Ewers: “I am staying at Texas for another season.”
— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) January 11, 2024
Arch Manning: pic.twitter.com/4DRH9MO8pQ
Arch Manning: https://t.co/lcGaq7dg9l pic.twitter.com/0RsjZIjF4B
— Stephen (@b_outliers) January 11, 2024
Arch manning checking twitter right now seeing Quinn ewers announce he’s coming back for another year at Texas pic.twitter.com/L88yWZYkN3
— John (@iam_johnw) January 11, 2024
Arch Manning entering the portal is going to send this football offseason into something beyond the stratosphere. https://t.co/YcNGnc4qkV
— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) January 11, 2024
can't imagine arch manning is very pleased https://t.co/yEdkAyn3lr
— Ross Uglem (@RossUglem) January 11, 2024
Arch Manning https://t.co/PUBbkgMshE pic.twitter.com/jMsb9HV8sd
— CookedByDhop (@LevisToDhop) January 11, 2024
Other fans suggested that Manning will transfer to their preferred team now that Ewers has announced his intent to return to school.
Hard to believe that Arch Manning is staying another year at Texas and sitting so that he can portal out to Syracuse next season after Kyle McCord leads the Orange to their first National Title in football since 1959 but it’s true https://t.co/5eju9n1RzD
— Tyler J Terramiggi (@Tdot_Terramiggi) January 11, 2024
Arch Manning to Utah?!?!?! https://t.co/39qudGNl5n
— Andrew (@foxonabox_) January 11, 2024
the streets are saying “Arch Manning to Iowa” https://t.co/6hn0tw4jCf
— &rew (@Brewed4TheDrew) January 11, 2024
Arch Manning, you ARE a Michigan Wolverine https://t.co/bt9O8xUtkE
— Davy OB (@DavyTweets22) January 11, 2024
Arch Manning to Mizzou https://t.co/WvKIfBgIR6
— Chandler (Interim Leader) (@_chandler_____) January 11, 2024
Arch Manning You Are A Minuteman https://t.co/u3DS2rxPFW
— BK (@TheBennettK) January 11, 2024
The likeliest outcome is that Manning stays a Longhorn, backing up Ewers in 2024 before taking over as the starter in ’25. Regardless, observers will watch Manning’s every move closely.