Ewers left the game with a shoulder injury after being tackled on a sack in the first quarter. Manning, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 class, entered the game and immediately made an impact.
He completed 16 of 24 passes for 214 yards and two touchdowns, leading Texas to score 28 consecutive points after Ewers’ injury.
“Arch is a special player,” said Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian. “He came in and managed the game with poise and composure. He made some great throws and led our offense to some big plays.”
With Manning at the helm, Texas dominated Florida on both sides of the ball. Bijan Robinson rushed for 195 yards and three touchdowns, while the defense held the Gators to just 215 yards of offense.
While it’s unclear at this time how long Ewers will be out, Manning’s performance has raised questions about his future with the Longhorns.
“Arch has a bright future ahead of him,” said Sarkisian. “He showed today that he’s capable of being a great quarterback in this league.”
If Ewers is sidelined for an extended period of time, Manning could become Texas’ starting quarterback for the remainder of the season. This could have significant implications for the Longhorns, who are looking to compete for a Big 12 title in 2023.
