Cooper Manning explains son Arch’s decision to play for Texas

They say everything is bigger in Texas — and that includes the state’s love for the Longhorns football team.

If you’re a Texas fan (as this UT graduation is), life is pretty good this fall. The Horns are 4-0 after non-conference games — including a sweep of the defending champs in Ann Arbor — and are ranked the No. 1 in the country. After a lost decade, Texas is truly back.

The only hiccup along the way came in the form of an injury to starting quarterback Quinn Ewers. Two weeks ago, the star QB exited the game against UTSA with an oblique injury and he did not play the following week against UL-Monroe.

If Ewers’ injury had a silver lining, it allowed redshirt freshman Arch Manning to earn his first start and see significant playing time for the first time. Manning held his own against the Warhawks as he went 15-for-29 for 258 yards and two touchdowns.

Lucky, the guest for this week’s episode GOLF Subview was the father of future star QB, Cooper Manning, who offered some insight into his son’s first college start.

“It was fun for Arch to get some experience,” Cooper Manning said. “He made the most of it. I think he liked to play well. Like any rookie on your opening night, you’re going to have some hiccups, but he made some plays. I think he loved being there.”

Unlike many highly touted prospects these days, the younger Manning didn’t arrive on campus in Austin and immediately demand playing time. Instead, he chose to sit and learn behind an upperclassman and wait for his turn.

“I think a big part of why he liked Texas is because they had a great history, they had a new coach coming in, a new program and they knew they had the potential to be great, Cooper said. “And also, not having to come in and be the guy. He can learn and improve, so when your number is called, you’re ready to play and perform well.”

So far, that plan has worked to perfection. And barring any major setbacks, Texas will be set at the QB position for the foreseeable future.

Watch the full episode of Subpar below.

Zephyr Melton

Editor of Golf.com

Zephyr Melton is an assistant editor for GOLF.com where he spends his days blogging, producing and editing. Before joining the GOLF team, he attended the University of Texas followed by stops with the Texas Golf Association, Team USA, the Green Bay Packers and the PGA Tour. He assists with all lessons and covers amateur and women’s golf. He can be reached at zephyr_melton@golf.com.