Arch Manning runs for a touchdown to give Texas an early lead against rival Texas A&M

On By Littum

Arch Manning scored one of the biggest touchdowns for Texas this season.

The 19-year-old Longhorns quarterback stepped in for Quinn Ewers, who was briefly sidelined by a sore ankle, late in the first quarter against Texas A&M at Kyle Field on Saturday night and made an immediate impact.

With Texas facing a fourth-and-2, Manning scrambled for a 15-yard touchdown by diving to the end zone pylon to give Texas a 7–0 lead.

Arch Manning dives on the pile-on to complete a 15-yard touchdown run that gave Texas a 7-0 first quarter lead over rival Texas A&M on Nov. 30, 2024. Getty Images

The impressive game capped a 93-yard drive that included a key 26-yard run by Ewers, who appeared to be running well despite the ankle issues.

It was another bright moment for Manning, who has played quite a bit while being groomed as the Longhorns’ quarterback of the future.

Texas quarterback Arch Manning accepts congratulations from teammates after scoring on a 15-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Getty Images

He looked impressive, leading Texas to wins over UL-Monroe and Mississippi State early this season as he filled in as the starter while Ewers recovered from a strained stomach.

Despite the touchdown, Saturday night’s performance was a cameo for Manning. Ewers re-entered the game on Texas’ next possession in the second quarter.

Manning briefly re-entered the game when the Longhorns were inside the 10-yard line on Texas’ second touchdown drive, forcing Texas A&M to call a timeout.

Arch Manning runs for a 15-yard touchdown during the first quarter that gave Texas a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. Getty Images

But Manning failed to run a play on the drive as Ewers re-entered the game after the timeout and capped the drive with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Jaydon Blue to give Texas a 14-0 lead.