The Texas Longhorns have long been a program that stirs up passion and pride among its fanbase, and in recent years, head coach Steve Sarkisian has been working hard to bring the program back to national prominence. However, as Texas enters the 2024 season with high expectations, one decision is sparking controversy among fans: Steve Sarkisian’s handling of Arch Manning, the highly-touted freshman quarterback and scion of the Manning football dynasty.
Arch Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning and grandson of Hall of Famer Archie Manning, is arguably the most hyped quarterback recruit in recent college football history. After a highly publicized recruitment process, Manning ultimately chose to attend Texas, joining a class that included other blue-chip prospects and fueling hopes that the Longhorns’ football program would return to the elite level it once occupied. His arrival was seen as a potential game-changer for the team, but Sarkisian’s decision to start veteran quarterback Quinn Ewers over Manning, despite the latter’s pedigree and potential, has raised eyebrows and led to questions from fans and analysts alike.
As the 2024 season kicks off, many Texas fans are wondering if Sarkisian is making the right call by sticking with Ewers as the starter, especially given the high expectations surrounding Manning and the general impatience that surrounds college football’s most storied programs. Some are even questioning whether Sarkisian is playing it too conservatively, while others believe that the decision is more about the team’s immediate success than the long-term future of Manning. Whatever the case, one thing is clear: the situation has created a dividing line between Sarkisian’s long-term vision and the immediate desires of fans who are eager to see Manning on the field.
### The Pressure of Being a Manning
When Arch Manning committed to Texas in 2023, it was a monumental moment for the Longhorns’ football program. His decision came after a fierce recruitment battle that saw the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and Ole Miss all vying for the five-star quarterback. But it wasn’t just his talent on the field that made Manning’s commitment so significant—it was the weight of the Manning name that carried the hopes and expectations of a fanbase desperate for a championship-caliber team.
Manning, standing at 6’4″ and possessing a strong arm and impressive poise for a high schooler, arrived in Austin with a legacy that many believed would allow him to take Texas back to the top of college football. Yet, despite his immense potential, the transition from high school to college football is never a smooth one, and even a player with Manning’s pedigree has to earn his spot.
The decision to start Quinn Ewers over Manning, especially in a season where the Longhorns are expected to challenge for the Big 12 title and potentially make a College Football Playoff run, has many fans wondering whether Sarkisian is overthinking the situation. Ewers, while talented, had his ups and downs in 2023. Despite flashes of brilliance—like his performance against Oklahoma—Ewers was also inconsistent at times, throwing multiple interceptions in key games, and it became clear that his development still had a ways to go.
With the added pressure of trying to justify the hype surrounding Manning, many fans have been calling for Sarkisian to put the freshman in the starting role. After all, Manning’s natural ability is evident, and given the talent around him—especially a deep and dynamic receiving corps—some believe that he could be the spark Texas needs to make a legitimate title push.
### Sarkisian’s Philosophy: Development Over Immediate Impact
For Steve Sarkisian, the decision to go with Ewers as the starter is rooted in his broader philosophy of quarterback development and ensuring that the team’s success doesn’t hinge on throwing a young player like Manning into the fire too soon. Sarkisian has been known for his patient, measured approach to developing quarterbacks, having worked with players like Jalen Hurts at Alabama and Sam Darnold at USC. Sarkisian’s ability to develop quarterbacks has never been in question, but it’s clear that he values maturity and readiness before giving a freshman like Manning the reins to a high-profile program like Texas.
While some may see this as a conservative approach, it’s also one that prioritizes building a solid foundation. Ewers, as a returning starter with a year of experience in the system, is seen as more ready to handle the pressure of being a starting quarterback for a team with championship aspirations. This allows Manning the time to adjust to the speed of the college game, learn the nuances of Sarkisian’s complex offensive system, and gain confidence before being thrust into the spotlight.
But Sarkisian’s decision has left some wondering whether Manning is being coddled and whether Texas might be wasting an opportunity to let their highest-profile recruit live up to his billing. With the eyes of the college football world on Austin, fans are divided on whether the Longhorns’ coach is making the right call by keeping Manning on the sidelines for now.
### The Fan Perspective: Uncertainty and Frustration
Texas fans are notorious for their passion and their high expectations, and in the case of Manning, those expectations are only amplified by his family’s legacy. While some fans are understanding of Sarkisian’s decision and trust that the coach knows best when it comes to developing quarterbacks, others are growing frustrated with the status quo. They want to see Manning play now, not years down the road.
For many, it’s difficult to ignore the possibility that Manning could provide an immediate upgrade over Ewers. Manning has the tools to be a transcendent talent, and Texas fans are eager to see him live up to the hype. After years of underachieving, the idea of a Manning-led Longhorns team winning a national title is tantalizing. The impatience of the fanbase is palpable, with some feeling that the team’s window of opportunity may close sooner than expected if they don’t make the most of Manning’s potential.
Furthermore, there are concerns that Sarkisian’s decision could lead to a distraction. As long as Manning remains the backup, questions about the quarterback battle will dominate the media narrative, potentially creating unnecessary tension within the team. If Ewers struggles early in the season, the clamoring for Manning to take over will only intensify, and it could become a distraction that derails the Longhorns’ championship ambitions.
### The Road Ahead: Will Manning Take the Reins?
As the 2024 season progresses, the question on everyone’s mind will be whether Arch Manning will eventually take over as the starting quarterback. While Sarkisian has clearly shown a preference for waiting until Manning is fully ready, there’s no telling how long the patience of Texas fans will last. Should Ewers falter or the team encounter any struggles on offense, Sarkisian may be forced to turn to Manning sooner rather than later.
For now, the Longhorns will continue to roll with Ewers, but with the pressure mounting and the spotlight shining brighter, the decision on Manning’s future may soon become one of the most talked-about storylines in college football. For Sarkisian, the stakes have never been higher, and how he handles Manning’s development could very well determine the trajectory of his tenure at Texas. One thing is certain: whether Manning takes the field sooner or later, the eyes of Texas—and the college football world—will be watching closely.