Updates continue to come out of Austin suggesting that Arch Manning is ready to assume the mantle of Texas’ starting quarterback.
On the heels of the news that second-string quarterback Maalik Murphy entered the transfer portal and Manning will be Quinn Ewers’ backup for the Longhorns in the College Football Playoff, Texas reporter Anwar Richardson revealed that Manning has undergone a body transformation and has command of the offense.
“Texas freshman QB Arch Manning has been grinding this year. When Manning stepped on campus in January, he weighed 210 pounds. I’m told Manning currently weighs 225 (all muscle). In addition, I’m told Manning has improved to the point where he can run the entire offense,” Richardson tweeted Friday.
Reports of Manning’s body transformation first hit the wires in July, when a photo of him looking shredded was shared on social media, and Ewers explained that the quarterbacks had turned their gym work into an effective competition.
“We kind of got addicted to doing abs, hitting biceps and triceps and all that stuff,” Ewers told ESPN at the time. “It was just fun. And, then the more we did it, we saw more position groups stay in the locker room after, which it’s cool to see that.”
It is unknown whether Ewers, who has another year of eligibility remaining, will return to Texas or enter the NFL Draft.
Manning has appeared in two games for Texas this season, late in the Longhorns’ blowout victory over Texas Tech in November, plus in the Big 12 championship win against Oklahoma State.
Murphy was conflicted about the decision to transfer with the Longhorns in the midst of the playoffs, but had to make the decision expediently before the quarterback carousel has less spots at top programs for 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 will visit Duke, Baylor, South Carolina and Oregon State, according to various reports.
Texas faces Washington in the College Football Playoff semifinals on Jan. 1.