Arch Manning shuts down rumors of a transfer away from Texas as he opens up on life as QB2 ahead of the Sugar Bowl in his home state

Arch Manning was one of the most highly rated quarterback prospects college football has ever seen when he committed to Texas last year. But after a season on the bench, some wondered if he would want to move elsewhere.

During media availability before the Longhorns' game with Washington in the Sugar Bowl, Manning shut down those rumors — pledging to stay in Texas and learn under Steve Sarkisian.

“Of course there are always rumours, especially these days, but I haven't looked at a transfer at all,” Manning told reporters.

“I'm just focused on developing and helping this team in any way I can. Hopefully one day I'll play for the University of Texas like I've always wanted.”

When asked if his father would try to get big money offers to lure him away, Arch replied, “I don't think it's about money right now.

'I want to develop from Sark. I've been told that good things happen to good people who work hard and keep their heads down, and that's what I'm focusing on right now.”

Arch comes from Louisiana football royalty, which makes Monday's game in New Orleans all the more exciting for him.

He also knows the Caesars Superdome: a building where he played a state championship game with Isidore Newman High School.

Of course, it's also where his grandfather, Archie Manning, played quarterback for the Saints for many years.

“It's nice to be back in town,” Manning said. “He is my biggest role model, it is super special to be able to practice and ultimately play where he played.”

His uncles Peyton and Eli Manning also played there in the past. Arch said the two Super Bowl champions sent him text messages of encouragement throughout the year as he waited for his turn to take the field.

Now that twist could be a lot closer than it was at the start of the season. Arch is still a backup, but now he's moved up the depth chart.

That's because backup Maalik Murphy entered the transfer portal, making Arch the new QB2 for the Longhorns.

Manning said he has no plans to move from Texas anytime soon

If something were to happen to starter Quinn Ewers, Arch would be next in line – something that recent history says is perfectly possible.

Take the state of Ohio, for example. Starting quarterback Kyle McCord transferred to Syracuse before the team played in Friday night's Cotton Bowl Classic, leaving QB2 Devin Brown to start.

But Brown went down early with an injury, forcing coach Ryan Day to use freshman Lincoln Keinholz. The Buckeyes were going to lose to Missouri.

That means Arch needs to prepare for disaster and make sure he's as ready as possible for this game.

“I've tried to prepare every week like I'm the starter, but I think now that you're one play away instead of two, there's a little more to be prepared for,” Manning said.

“A lot of it is mental just because you're watching, you have to get mental reps and just try to prepare like you're the starter because chances are you're going to play.

After the departure of backup Maalik Murphy, Manning is now the QB2 for the Longhorns

There's also a good chance you won't play, but at the end of the day it's just football, going out, doing what I've done all my life. So that's what I'm trying to do.”

Reflecting on what happened to Ohio State, Arch said the situation “reminds me that I'm just one moment away.

“But hopefully that doesn't happen, hopefully Quinn plays a good game and we move on to the national championship.”