The positive news from Friday’s Cotton Bowl loss? The Arch Manning era is now fully underway in 2025.

Quarterback Quinn Ewers told ESPN that he didn’t see himself playing college football next season, thereby paving the way for him to go pro. And Manning can ascend to become the Longhorns’ starter this spring.

But why wasn’t Manning used more in the College Football Playoffs and especially on the goal line late in the fourth quarter against Ohio State?

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian wasn’t asked about Manning during the post-game press conference. He wasn’t really grilled about the play-calling on the goal line, either.

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Steve Sarkisian will forever be haunted by what happened on the goal line against Buckeyes in College Football Playoffs

Texas had four plays from the 1-yard line to tie Ohio State and couldn’t get it done

“First-and-goal on the one and we don't score, you quite frankly probably don't deserve to win that way,” Sarkisian said.

Sarkisian used Manning earlier in the game in short yardage situations, just like he did against Texas A&M and in limited other spots. Manning picked up eight yards on fourth-and-1 from midfield with 50 seconds left before halftime.

But that was it. Manning didn’t get another snap the rest of the night.

Sarkisian made it clear with his personnel usage he was going to roll with Ewers, the three-year starter, for better or worse. But Ewers was never a strong runner, and the Horns were in real trouble when plays would break down.

Manning gave the offense some element of escape when plays collapsed. He rushed for 108 yards on 25 carries and scored four touchdowns. His sizzling 15-yard touchdown run against Texas A&M caught the Aggies off guard and gave the Horns a real jolt, igniting a 17-7 win at Kyle Field.

Manning also loved the deep ball. During his 2 1/2 games in September while filling in for an injured Ewers, Manning showed that he would throw long balls. Manning finished the year having completed 61 of 90 passes for 939 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions.

Barring the unforeseen, Manning will be Texas’ starting quarterback in the 2025 season opener, which just happens to be at Ohio State in Columbus. He’ll be on the field then, for sure.

But fans will forever wonder why Sarkisian didn’t put Manning into the game in such an obvious position where the quarterback had success.