The college football transfer turntable is spinning, and Texas backup quarterback Arch Manning is arguably the biggest name with potential to end up on the board.
Manning — the Longhorns second-year arm and nephew of NFL greats Peyton and Eli — is one of several slingers FBS coaches hope to see make a switch come the end of the regular season.
With that said, his time in burnt orange may not be over yet.
No. 3 Texas is set to host No. 12 Clemson in the first round of the College Football Playoff on Dec. 21. Whether he plays or not against the Tigers, the 6-4, 225-pound Manning still has an important decision to make regarding his future in the NCAA and beyond.
Here's everything to know about Manning's potential transfer from Texas, including what the QB has — or hasn't — said about staying with the Longhorns for 2025.
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Will Arch Manning transfer?
Whether or not he plays in the Longhorns' playoff game doesn't necessarily determine whether Manning will transfer. In fact, Quinn Ewers' impending decision to stay or enter the NFL Draft will likely guide the redshirt freshman in the process.
On Dec. 13, Anwar Richardson of OrangeBloods.com reported that Ewers is set to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft and that Manning has no plans to transfer right now.
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There's no doubt Manning would fit in at almost any high-level FBS program. In his two starts — against Louisiana-Monroe and Mississippi State — he completed 41-of-60 passes for four touchdowns and two picks, passing for well over 550 yards. The Longhorns won both contests.
Manning also emerged as a serious threat on the ground, which could be why Steve Sarkisian neglected to confirm whether Manning will play Saturday. The QB needed just three carries for 14 yards against Texas A&M to punch in a crucial first-quarter score, helping the Longhorns to a 17-7 win over the No. 20 Aggies.
MORE: Why did Arch Manning choose Texas over Georgia, Alabama?
Though Manning hasn't addressed transfer rumors himself, his top five NIL valuation and the potential for Ewers to return have led many in CFB circles to place hypothetical bets on the slinger's future destination.
If he does jump ship, he's likely to remain in the SEC. Georgia and Alabama were both in the running for Manning's initial commitment before he chose Texas, and LSU is in need of a QB after 2025 commit Bryce Underwood flipped to Michigan. Ole Miss is also in the picture, with Jaxson Dart set to move on from Eli and Archie Manning's alma mater after this season.
MORE: Texas, Oregon flex best signing day classes; Oklahoma, FSU struggle to keep up
Texas QB depth chart
| Rank | Player |
| 1 | Quinn Ewers |
| 2 | Arch Manning |
| 3 | Trey Owens |
There isn't much to discuss regarding the Longhorns QB depth chart other than Ewers is the starter, but Manning might see the field against Clemson. Against Georgia in the SEC Championship, Manning had one carry for five yards.
Trey Owens, a freshman, has seen time in two games this season and has completed two of his four passing attempts in limited work.
We'll see if Manning becomes a bigger part of Texas' game plan against Clemson in the playoff.
