Manning, Wingo 75-Yard TD on Texas’s First Snap

AUSTIN, Texas – March 23, 2024 – The much-anticipated era of Arch Manning at the University of Texas got off to an explosive start Saturday at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. On the very first offensive snap of the Longhorns’ spring exhibition game against SEC foe Vanderbilt, the sophomore quarterback connected with true freshman wide receiver Ryan Wingo for a stunning 75-yard touchdown play, immediately electrifying the crowd and signaling potential for the upcoming season.

Manning, the five-star prospect whose every move has been scrutinized since his commitment to Texas, wasted no time showcasing his deep-ball prowess. Dropping back from under center, he launched a perfectly placed pass downfield, finding Wingo in stride. The speedy true freshman, making his debut in front of the home crowd, outran the Vanderbilt secondary to complete the long scoring play.

The play occurred early in the controlled scrimmage, designed to give both teams valuable reps and evaluate talent as Texas prepares for its inaugural season in the Southeastern Conference. While statistics from spring games are unofficial and the outcomes carry no weight in the standings, the immediate chemistry between Manning and Wingo provided a massive boost of confidence and excitement for the Longhorn faithful.

Manning, the latest scion of football’s most famous family—grandson of Archie, nephew to Peyton and Eli—entered his second year at Texas as the presumptive backup to Quinn Ewers but with immense pressure and expectation. His limited playing time as a true freshman only heightened the anticipation for what he might show when given extended opportunities. Saturday’s early performance offered a tantalizing glimpse into his capabilities.

Wingo, a highly-touted recruit from St. Louis, Missouri, demonstrated precisely why he was such a coveted prospect, displaying breakaway speed and reliable hands on his first collegiate touch. The touchdown instantly elevated his profile and hinted at the impact he could have in a receiving corps that lost significant talent to the NFL Draft.

“It’s a spring game, so we always keep things in perspective,” a source close to the program indicated, “but you can’t deny the energy a play like that generates. It shows the kind of talent we have, and the potential for these young guys to make a real impact.”

For a Texas program aiming to build on its recent success and make a strong impression in its move to the SEC, seeing such a high-impact play from its future quarterback and a promising young receiver right out of the gate is an ideal way to begin the spring period. It fuels the narrative of a team ready to compete at the highest level and provides a significant talking point as fans look ahead to the fall.

The Longhorns will continue their spring practice schedule, culminating in the Orange-White Game on April 20th, where fans will likely get another look at Manning, Wingo, and the rest of the squad before the focus shifts fully to the 2024 regular season.