Why isn't Arch Manning playing today? Explains the starting situation of the QB in Texas against Georgia

College football fans have gotten more insight into Arch Manning's limitless potential in 2024.

The young quarterback from Texas has scored nine passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns in four games this season, showcasing the arm talent and precision that have made him a top future NFL Draft prospect.

However, Manning will not start at center for the Longhorns on Saturday against Georgia in one of their biggest games of the season.

Here's what you should know about Manning's status against the Bulldogs, including why he won't start, who will throw passes for the Longhorns instead and a look at Texas' quarterback depth chart.

MORE: Pressure mounts on Kirby Smart ahead of Georgia-Texas clash

Why isn't Arch Manning playing today?

Manning will not start against Georgia as he is considered QB2 on Texas' quarterback depth chart.

Earlier this season, Manning was given starting opportunities due to injuries. In those two starts, he had 583 passing yards, four passing touchdowns and two interceptions. Against UL Monroe and Mississippi State, the Longhorns won both games by at least 22 points.

However, with Texas' starter now healthy again, Manning will continue to watch from the sidelines, at least at the start of games.

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Who is Texas' starting quarterback?

Quinn Ewers is the Longhorns' starting quarterback this season. Ewers, a junior, has been Texas' starter since 2022.

In his first two seasons with the program, Ewers totaled 5,656 passing yards as Texas finished 8-5 in 2022 and 12-2 in 2023. Although the Longhorns brought in a highly praised newcomer in Manning, Ewers retained his starting place.

An abdominal injury kept Ewers out for two games this season, but when he was healthy enough to return, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian gave Ewers the QB1 spot right back, despite Manning's flashes of dominance.

In a 34-3 win over Oklahoma last week, Ewers had 199 yards, a touchdown and an interception on 20 of 29 passes.

This week, Ewers will once again be the Longhorns' starter against No. 5 Georgia. Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart recently said that Texas having two talented quarterbacks “doesn't change how we prepare,” especially since Ewers and Manning have similar playing styles.

MORE: QB guru weighs in on the Quinn Ewers-Arch Manning debate

Texas QB depth chart

#1: Quinn Ewers

Ewers originally committed to Ohio State and later enrolled there. However, in December 2021, he transferred to Texas and took over the role of starting quarterback the following season.

Over the course of his college career, Ewers recorded 6,546 passing yards, 46 passing touchdowns and 15 interceptions.

#2: Arch Manning

Because of his family's tradition of producing elite quarterbacks and his clear generational talent, Manning was one of the most hyped quarterback recruits in recent memory.

He committed to Texas in June 2023 but redshirted after playing in just two games in his first season. Manning has been used more often this season and Texas relied on him as the starter when Ewers was sidelined with a brief injury.

MORE: Eli Manning's reaction to Arch Manning's starting debut

No. 3: Trey Owens

Owens, a freshman, is the Longhorns' QB3 behind an extremely talented pair of Ewers and Manning.

Owens, a former four-star recruit, had thrown four passes this season, all leading to the Longhorns' 56-7 victory over UTSA.