Former National Championship QB Greg McIlroy Says Stop Trying To Make Arch Manning Happen

There's apparently some momentum towards the Texas Longhorns benching starting quarterback Quinn Ewers in the College Football Playoff in favor of starting Arch Manning. And former Alabama Crimson Tide National Championship-winning quarterback Greg McElroy has some words of caution for Longhorns fans desperate to make the shift sooner rather than later.

McElroy on Friday's appearance on "Get Up," referenced the "Mean Girls" movie while trying to explain why that wouldn't be the best idea for Saturday's game against No. 12 Clemson. 

"There's a moment in the 'Mean Girls' movie where they say, 'stop trying to make fetch happen.' That's kind of what I'm going to say about this Arch thing," McElroy said. "Let's stop trying to make Arch into his uncles right now."

Arch Manning on the field for the Texas Longhorns, which some fans want to see in the College Football Playoff. (Credit: Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Arch Manning Might Not Be Ready For College Football Playoff

Yes, Manning showed flashes of brilliance filling in for Ewers earlier this season. But this isn't the time to risk throwing him into the fire against a very tough Clemson team with the Longhorns' season on the line.

"He’ll get there," McElroy explained about Manning. "He’s going to be a great player in time. I’m a real believer in his upside. I’m a believer in his mobility. I think he could have a package in this system, seriously. I think in this playoffs, it would not be surprising in the red zone if he was on the field. But being on the field for anything more than a situational play right now I think, would be disadvantageous to an offense that’s likely going to have to throw their way to victory.

"They’re gonna have to throw it to the national championship … I think Arch is going to be a great player situationally, but at this point, Quinn is your guy and should hopefully take you to the promised land if you’re a Longhorn fan."

There's a reason why Manning wasn't named the starter before the season, and why Ewers was confirmed as the starter once he returned from injury. Steve Sarkisian and the Texas staff want him to develop into a star next year, so the Longhorns have as little drop off as possible. And while the Texas offense has declined in 2024, Manning's inexperience could lead to more mistakes than his mobility could lead to benefits. He'll get his chance. It's just more likely to come in 2025.