Arch Manning shines in his college debut as Texas dominates.

Arch Manning’s debut as Texas’ starting quarterback began with a challenge but quickly transformed into a dominant performance. On the very first drive of Saturday night's game, he was intercepted by UL-Monroe's Carl Fauntroy. However, Manning—who comes from a football lineage with his father Cooper, grandfather Archie, and uncles Peyton and Eli all having NFL backgrounds—quickly rebounded, leading Texas to a commanding 51-3 victory at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas.

In the game, Manning completed 15 of 29 passes for 259 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He exited the game early in the fourth quarter following a touchdown from running back Jaydon Blue, who had an impressive performance with 124 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

“It was great to have Jaydon back,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said. “He’s a weapon who excels between the tackles and on the edge.”

Manning had stepped in last week to throw five touchdowns against UTSA after Quinn Ewers left with an oblique injury. Despite the rocky start, he graded his performance as a “C-plus” and acknowledged areas for improvement. “There’s a lot I want back, but it’s a good first win,” Manning stated.

Sarkisian noted that Manning learned valuable lessons, saying, “He took his shots. We hit some and missed others. Tonight was about learning.”

The Longhorns wrapped up their final non-conference game and are set to begin their SEC schedule against Mississippi State next week. Sarkisian indicated that Ewers could return soon, possibly for the rivalry game against Oklahoma on October 12.

After the interception, Manning quickly led the team on a seven-play, 77-yard drive, scoring a touchdown that put Texas up 7-0. He followed that with another touchdown pass to Blue and a connection with freshman receiver Ryan Wingo for a third score, expanding Texas’ first-quarter lead to 21-0.

Manning continued to perform well in the second quarter, orchestrating an 87-yard drive capped by another touchdown run from Blue. Although he faced another interception later, the Texas defense held strong, blocking a field goal attempt as the first half ended.

By halftime, Manning had thrown for 214 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. The Longhorns extended their lead in the second half, with Manning helping to secure a 35-3 advantage. He left the game after a nine-play, 63-yard drive early in the fourth quarter that resulted in another touchdown.

Manning’s first start showed promise, and he’s already earning admiration from Texas fans as he leads the team into the next phase of their season.