Critics saying Arch Manning is nothing more than a three-star talent with a five-star last name might've been premature.

Manning put on what some are describing as the best spring game performance in Texas football history on Saturday ... Okay, maybe not that good. But the redshirt freshman looked great from the very first snap, airing out a 75-yard touchdown to DeAndre Moore Jr. 

With Quinn Ewers playing limited snaps because he has nothing to prove and Sark already named Ewers the starter for the fall earlier in the year, Manning and Cy-Fair alum Trey Owens put on a show. The Orange team took a thrilling 35-34 victory, but Manning's performance on the White team was one the internet is buzzing over. He started the afternoon 5-for-5 for 133 yards and two touchdowns. 

"I thought from the game perspective, probably the most exciting spring game I've ever been a part of," Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said.

Manning finished the day 19-of-25 for 355 passing yards and three touchdowns, the final of which came on another 75-yard touchdown pass to Alabama transfer Isaiah Bond. Sarkisian described Manning earlier this spring as having a habit of using his athleticism too quickly, instead of letting a play develop. Texas fans caught glimpse of that in Manning first spring game last year. Today, he displayed growth in that area.

"The biggest thing I saw from Arch was something that we really harped on with him about a week and a half ago, about just playing the play and keeping your eyes up," Sarkisian said.

Texas opens the 2024 season against Colorado State on August 31 before traveling to Ann Arbor to face the defending national champions in the Big House. Until then, it's time to fire up NCAA Football, a game you will not be able to play as Manning after he chose to opt-out. After that spring game, he might've been the highest rated backup in the video game.