Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian announced Thursday that redshirt freshman Arch Manning will get his first start for the Longhorns in the Week 4 home contest against Louisiana-Monroe. Starting quarterback Quinn Ewers exited the Week 3 win over UTSA with an abdominal strain. Manning accounted for five touchdowns in relief, including one on his first throw of the game. 

Texas is 3-0 and ranked as the No. 1 team in the most recent AP Top 25. Ewers was listed as week-to-week by Sarkisian with the Heisman hopeful likely back by the time Texas plays Oklahoma on Oct. 12. The Longhorns face ULM in Week 5 and Mississippi State in Week 5 before an idle week in Week 7. 

There is no QB controversy on the Forty Acres. Ewers is the starter when he’s healthy. That’s the grace an experienced quarterback with wins at Michigan and Michigan, as well as a record-setting performance in the Big 12 championship, deserves. But with a 16- or 17-game season possible for the Longhorns, quality depth is important, even at quarterback. And this allows Manning to go through a week as the starter, which should help him once he is the guy in 2025.