Arch Manning getting first start exactly 56 years after Archie’s first with Rebels

OXFORD, Miss. — It was interesting on ESPN GameDay on Saturday morning when host Chris Fowler pointed out a statistical oddity that longtime Ole Miss fans probably forgot. It’s all about the Mannings.

Now there has to be some Texas fans wondering if it’s the same type opening to a career that becomes legendary.

Archie Manning got his first start for the Rebels 56 years ago today in 1968 against Memphis State (hey, that’s what they were called in those days). He was a sophomore because freshmen weren’t eligible until his senior season in 1970.

For those wondering, it was the season opener in a time when teams only played 10 games and it started later. The Rebels came away with a 21-7 win that started the entire Archie Manning legend around here.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) looks to pass during the first half against the Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners at Texas at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Today, his grandson Arch is starting for the first time as a redshirt freshman for the Texas Longhorns against Louisiana-Monroe. That alone could hold down a lot of talk of historical significance beyond a footnote.

The Warhawks aren’t any good while the Longhorns are ranked No. 1 in the country.

Arch got the start after a whopping debut last week in a 56-7 win over Texas-San Antonio that included a 67-yard scoring run. That was off the bench, though, after starter Quinn Ewers had to leave the game with an injury.

It set up the first start for the New Orleans native who was a highly-rated recruit in the 2023 class, but chose to not follow the family legacy at Ole Miss where his father, Cooper, and uncle Eli played.

Kickoff for that game is set for 7 p.m. and will be available on ESPN+ and the SEC Network.