Arch Manning undeniably stepped up his game (literally) as his first year as the Texas Longhorns' starting quarterback progressed.
Now, as he looks to year two as the Horns' offensive leader, choosing to stay in Austin for at least one more year instead of declaring for the NFL Draft, he's ready to improve even more, and he has the perfect mindset to do so.
"I felt like I developed a lot this year, especially towards the back half, and I want to keep it going," Manning said. "There's no reason to leave. I feel like I got a lot more football left to play, and excited to still be a part of this team."
Arch Manning is ready for Year 2
This season, Manning averaged 325.9 passing yards per game for a total of 33 touchdowns and just nine interceptions through the air. He also earned 29.9 rushing yards per game for an additional 12 touchdowns, don't forget his four-yard touchdown reception.
Over the second half of the season, he logged three games with 328 passing yards or more (328 yards vs. No. 9 Vanderbilt, 346 yards vs. Mississippi State, and 389 yards vs. Arkansas). Simply put, his stats soared as he racked up more experience.
Next year, those stats should only continue to improve, which is exactly what Manning was referencing when he said, "I feel like I got a lot more football left to play."
Manning will be joined by five-star quarterback Dia Bell, who is expected to play the supporting role like Manning did for Quinn Ewers during his first two years on campus. His growth and his mentality are exactly what the Longhorns need next year, and it's even what they need this week.
While Texas didn't make the College Football Playoff for a third consecutive season, the No. 13 Horns are set to play in a top-25 bowl game against the No. 18 Michigan Wolverines.
On New Year's Eve, the Longhorns and the Wolverines are scheduled to kick off the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl at 2 p.m. CT, and the game will be broadcast on ABC.