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Steve Sarkisian picks up an impressive backup for starting QB Arch Manning

The Texas Longhorns are not short on talented quarterbacks, especially after head coach Steve Sarkisian picked up an experienced QB from the transfer portal.
BySam Fariss|
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning during his first practice of the spring season on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning during his first practice of the spring season on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. | Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Just a few weeks ago, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian openly named Arch Manning as the Longhorns' newest starting quarterback. Now, he's strengthening the QB room and giving Manning an additional level of support with a new backup quarterback heading to Austin.

Former Troy starting quarterback Matthew Caldwell committed to the Longhorns after entering the transfer portal for the third time in his career.

Caldwell, who played in nine of the Troy Trojans' games last season, earned 1,608 yards and 13 touchdowns on 141 passing completions. He also ran for an additional 47 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.

The well-traveled quarterback began his collegiate career with the Jacksonville State Gamecocks before transferring to play for the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs, and eventually the Trojans.

Who all is in the Texas quarterback room?

Before Caldwell joined the Longhorns' roster, there were four players in Texas's quarterback room. With Arch Manning as the almost guaranteed starter, redshirt sophomore Trey Owens will most likely be QB2 in Austin, supported by senior Joe Tatum and true freshman KJ Lacey.

Caldwell brings the total quarterback count up to five for the Horns as the veteran QB joins the Texas roster. He will have the most collective starts throughout any of the quarterbacks' collegiate careers

Is Arch Manning ready to be the Longhorns' starting QB?

Last season, Manning started in two games for the Horns after stepping in following an abdominal injury to former starter Quinn Ewers during Texas's game against UTSA. He led the Longhorns to a resounding 51-3 win over Louisiana-Monroe and their first-ever SEC victory, with a 35-13 win over Mississippi State.

Throughout the 2024 season, Manning completed 61 pass attempts (67.8 percent) for 939 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for an additional 108 yards and four more touchdowns.

To put it lightly, yes, Manning is more than ready to become the starting quarterback for the University of Texas Longhorns.

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