Arch Manning's competitive spirit affecting Longhorns defense during spring camp
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Only seven practices into spring camp but there are a lot of eyes on Texas as the Longhorns approach the 2025 football season. Junior quarterback Arch Manning will finally get his opportunity as the Longhorns starter.
After sitting behind Quinn Ewers for two seasons, Manning is gearing up to take the reins in his third year and he's bringing his teammates along with him.
"Arch is a naturally competitive guy," Texas football head coach Steve Sarkisian said. "I think people gravitate to him and one of the things I see right now is naturally, he's leading a group of maybe some younger players. Especially the skill spots.... his confidence I think helps them."
It's not just players on the offensive side of the ball that Manning has been able to connect with. His competitive spirit impacts the defense as well.
The Longhorns lost five players to the NFL but other impact players such as linebacker Anthony Hill Jr and safety Michael Taaffe are still on the "40 Acres" and feeling the competitive spirit from Manning.
"I think they like competing against Arch," Sarkisian said. "Some guys that have played a lot of football and they're thinking here comes another spring practice and when's the next game and it's not for months down the road but yet every day is a game. Every day is competitive because they know 16 is going to bring it and if he gets them, he's going to let them know about it."