In a shocking turn of events, Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian has found himself at the center of controversy after citing what he described as “irreconcilable differences” with two of his high-profile players—quarterbacks Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning. This revelation has sent shockwaves through the Texas football community, raising questions about team dynamics, leadership, and the future of two of the program’s most coveted quarterbacks.
The Texas Longhorns’ Quarterback Controversy
For the Texas Longhorns, 2023 was a year of high hopes, fueled by the arrival of Manning, the highly-touted freshman from a football dynasty, and Ewers, the transfer quarterback from Ohio State with immense potential. The team was expected to contend for a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP) and to reassert its dominance in the Big 12 Conference before making the transition to the SEC. The quarterback position, however, proved to be the subject of scrutiny and, ultimately, friction under the guidance of Sarkisian.
Ewers, a former five-star recruit, initially was the team’s starter, leading the offense for most of the 2023 season. Yet, while he demonstrated flashes of brilliance, inconsistency and struggles with turnovers raised questions about his ability to lead Texas to the promised land. As a result, Sarkisian made the controversial decision to rotate Ewers with other quarterbacks, including Manning, who was waiting in the wings. Manning, the grandson of legendary quarterback Archie Manning and nephew of NFL stars Peyton and Eli Manning, had been expected to follow in the footsteps of his famous family and lead Texas into the future.
The decision to involve Manning in such a high-profile program was met with a mixture of excitement and anticipation. However, it quickly became evident that both Ewers and Manning had contrasting approaches to the game, which led to friction between them and the coaching staff. It was this internal conflict that has now spilled over into the public eye.
The “Irreconcilable Differences”
On January 15, 2025, Sarkisian shocked both fans and critics by making a public statement in which he acknowledged that “irreconcilable differences” had developed between himself and both Ewers and Manning, leading to a breakdown in their working relationship. The head coach did not go into specifics regarding the nature of the disagreements but emphasized that they had “reached a point where mutual respect could no longer be maintained.” He also stated that the team’s future success would be “better served” by parting ways with the two quarterbacks.
Sarkisian’s comments have ignited a firestorm of debate among Texas football fans and analysts. Many are puzzled by the sudden nature of the announcement, as both Ewers and Manning had been widely viewed as crucial pieces of the Longhorns’ quarterback situation for years to come. Some are speculating that internal locker room issues, player personalities, and even the pressure of playing for a program with such high expectations may have contributed to the fallout.
The Fallout for Quinn Ewers
Ewers, who had transferred to Texas from Ohio State in 2021, came to the Longhorns with high expectations. A consensus five-star recruit out of Southlake Carroll, Ewers was regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects in recent memory. His first year at Texas was marred by injuries and inconsistency, but by 2023, many believed that the Longhorns were poised to be a national contender with him at the helm.
Ewers’ 2023 campaign was a mix of highs and lows. At times, he showed flashes of brilliance, especially in games against top-tier teams, where he threw for impressive yardage and touchdowns. But his occasional struggles with decision-making and turnovers, particularly in critical moments, left many questioning whether he was the long-term answer for the Longhorns.
The decision to rotate him with Manning, the highly touted freshman, caused a rift between the two quarterbacks. Manning, having sat behind Ewers for most of the season, reportedly became frustrated with the lack of opportunities to start. On the other hand, Ewers struggled with the pressure of knowing that his job was not guaranteed and that his future at Texas might not be as secure as he had hoped.
Sarkisian’s recent comments suggest that the tensions between Ewers and the coaching staff reached a breaking point. The quarterback, who had once been a cornerstone of Texas’ future, now faces an uncertain road ahead, with the possibility of entering the transfer portal looming large.
The Arch Manning Factor
Arch Manning, the freshman phenom, had been seen as the future of Texas football ever since he committed to the program in 2023. The nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch carried with him the weight of an entire football legacy and the hopes of an entire fan base. As one of the most highly recruited quarterbacks in recent history, Manning’s commitment to Texas was viewed as a monumental win for Sarkisian and the Longhorns.
However, Manning’s freshman season did not go as smoothly as many had hoped. Although he showed glimpses of his talent, he did not see significant playing time, largely due to the success and inconsistency of Ewers, as well as the decision to continue the QB rotation. The lack of playing time and clear direction for the future quarterback position seems to have been a source of frustration for Manning, who reportedly felt that the program’s leadership was unsure of his role in the future.
Sarkisian’s decision to publicly cite “irreconcilable differences” with Manning signals that the two may have clashed over expectations and playing time. With Manning’s immense potential and the high expectations placed upon him, it’s possible that the quarterback’s desire for a clear starting role clashed with the team’s strategic goals and Sarkisian’s approach to developing talent over time.
What Does This Mean for the Longhorns’ Future?
The impact of this sudden turn of events on the Texas Longhorns program cannot be overstated. Both Ewers and Manning were viewed as cornerstones of the team’s future, and with Sarkisian’s decision to part ways with them, questions now arise about the Longhorns’ quarterback situation.
Will Texas turn to other quarterbacks currently on the roster? Will they seek a new transfer option to fill the void left by Ewers and Manning? And how will Sarkisian rebuild the trust of his team and fanbase, given the controversy surrounding these departures?
One thing is clear: Texas football is at a crossroads. The program, which was once poised to reclaim its place among the elite in college football, now faces uncertainty at the most important position on the field.
Conclusion
Steve Sarkisian’s decision to part ways with Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning has sent ripples throughout the Texas Longhorns program. What appeared to be a promising quarterback room has now been rocked by internal strife and public controversy. While the specifics of the disagreements remain unclear, the fallout will undoubtedly shape the future of the Longhorns as they move forward in the highly competitive world of college football. As Texas looks to rebuild its quarterback situation, one thing is certain: this controversy will be remembered as one of the most significant moments in the program’s recent history.