The world of college football is filled with uncertainty, especially when it comes to the quarterback position. Few decisions carry as much weight as who starts under center for a powerhouse program like the University of Texas. In recent weeks, one of the most anticipated decisions in college football was made: Quinn Ewers, the former 5-star recruit and Texas Longhorns starting quarterback, confirmed he would be returning for the 2024 season, putting to rest any speculation about his potential move to the NFL. This decision has had significant implications, not only for the Longhorns but also for the future of one of the most highly-touted young quarterbacks in college football—Arch Manning.
Arch Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, has been a source of constant attention and anticipation ever since he committed to Texas. As one of the top high school quarterbacks in the country, Manning’s arrival in Austin was seen as a major moment for the Longhorns’ program. But the question surrounding his future with the team remained: Would he redshirt, or would he eventually overtake Ewers as the starting quarterback? With Ewers’ decision to return for another season, Arch Manning’s path has become clearer, and his future with Texas is finally confirmed.
The Ewers Decision: A Game-Changer for Texas and Manning
Quinn Ewers’ decision to stay at Texas for his junior season was a massive moment in the program’s trajectory. After a strong 2023 season, in which Ewers helped lead the Longhorns to an impressive finish and the brink of a Big 12 Championship, many had speculated whether he would enter the 2024 NFL Draft. Ewers, however, announced that he would return to Austin for another season, solidifying his role as the Texas starting quarterback for at least one more year.
This decision has major consequences for Arch Manning, as it gives him the opportunity to develop further before potentially taking over as the Longhorns’ starter in the future. While Manning has the talent to compete for the starting role, the decision by Ewers to stay means that Manning will likely have to wait at least one more season before taking the reins of the Texas offense.
Ewers’ return provides stability to the Texas program. It allows the Longhorns to build on a strong foundation heading into the 2024 season, with Ewers as the seasoned leader under center. For Manning, however, this means that his immediate future is likely centered around learning, developing, and adjusting to the college game. Rather than being thrust into a starting role early in his career, Manning will likely have the luxury of time to grow behind a proven leader like Ewers.
The Impact of Ewers’ Return on Manning’s Development
The presence of Quinn Ewers for another year provides Arch Manning with a unique opportunity to develop without the pressure of immediate starting responsibilities. While some quarterbacks thrive in high-pressure situations, others benefit from having time to mature before being thrown into the fire. Manning’s redshirt year is now even more likely, and this will allow him to learn the nuances of the Texas offense, adapt to the speed and complexity of the college game, and refine his skills in practice and limited game-time situations.
Arch Manning has all the tools to succeed at the next level—his size, athleticism, football IQ, and pedigree make him a natural leader on the field. However, the decision to stay behind Ewers for another year could be the best move for Manning’s long-term success. The competition between quarterbacks in a place like Texas is fierce, but being behind an experienced player like Ewers allows Manning to adjust without the immense pressure of being the immediate starter.
Manning’s ability to learn from a player like Ewers, who has already been in the college football spotlight, is invaluable. Ewers’ return means that Manning has another year to observe how a high-level quarterback handles the responsibilities of leading the Longhorns, including on-field leadership, decision-making, and the day-to-day grind of college football. These are lessons that cannot be taught in practice or by any coach. They come from experience. With this time to grow and mature, Manning’s development will be further accelerated.
What Does the Future Hold for Arch Manning?
While Arch Manning’s immediate future with Texas now seems clearer, the long-term outlook is still uncertain. After spending at least one season behind Quinn Ewers, Manning will be positioned to compete for the starting job in 2025. However, the question remains: how will Manning adjust to the increased competition and attention when he finally steps onto the field as the likely starter?
The Longhorns have already assembled a strong recruiting class around Manning, with top-tier players arriving to help him succeed in the future. By 2025, Texas will be operating with a roster filled with elite talent, and Manning will be expected to step up and lead. With the coaching staff led by Steve Sarkisian continuing to build an offense that is tailored to quarterbacks, Manning will be stepping into an environment designed for his success.
If Manning’s development continues as expected, he could be in prime position to lead Texas back to the national championship conversation. Texas has been on the rise under Sarkisian’s leadership, and with a future star like Manning at the helm, the Longhorns could find themselves firmly entrenched in the College Football Playoff picture.
However, the road to starting may not be easy for Manning. While many view him as a generational talent, the quarterback position at a major program like Texas is never guaranteed, especially when you have multiple talented players fighting for the same role. There could be other talented quarterbacks entering the program in future recruiting classes, and Manning will need to consistently perform at the highest level to secure the starting job when it’s his time.
Manning’s future with Texas also hinges on his ability to handle the pressure of following in the footsteps of his famous uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning. The Manning family legacy is one of the most prestigious in football, and the weight of that legacy will undoubtedly affect Manning’s journey. However, Arch Manning has already shown maturity beyond his years, and with time, he will likely grow into the role with the Texas Longhorns.
The Big Picture for Texas
For Texas, having Arch Manning in their quarterback room for the next several years is a significant win. Manning is not only a talented player but also a major recruiting asset for the program. His presence at Texas helps elevate the program’s profile and continues the trend of the Longhorns attracting elite talent. The decision by Quinn Ewers to return is, in some ways, a blessing for the program as it provides continuity, stability, and time for Manning to develop before stepping into the starting role.
With Manning set to take over in 2025, Texas could be poised to dominate the Big 12 and make a strong push for a national championship in the coming years. Manning, alongside an influx of high-caliber recruits, will help Texas return to national prominence, and the Longhorns may once again be contenders for college football’s highest honors.
Conclusion
The confirmation of Arch Manning’s future with Texas following Quinn Ewers’ decision to return for the 2024 season is a significant development for the Longhorns. While Manning will not be the starting quarterback immediately, his time behind Ewers will allow him to grow and develop into a leader for the team. The future is bright for Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns, as Manning’s talent, combined with the program’s upward trajectory, sets the stage for a successful few years ahead.
As the college football world watches, the story of Arch Manning at Texas is just beginning. The path may not be straightforward, but with the guidance of Ewers and a strong coaching staff, Manning’s journey is primed to lead him to greatness in the years to come.