As college football fans eagerly await the 2025 season, all eyes are on the Texas Longhorns and their head coach, Steve Sarkisian, particularly when it comes to the all-important quarterback position. With two highly talented quarterbacks on the roster—Quinn Ewers, a seasoned starter, and Arch Manning, a highly touted freshman—the decision of who will lead the team in 2025 has become one of the most talked-about storylines in the sport. But this decision goes beyond just evaluating talent. Texas can learn a valuable lesson from Georgia’s shocking loss in the 2024 College Football Playoff, and this lesson should shape how Sarkisian approaches the Ewers-Manning dilemma.
Georgia, widely considered the top team in college football for the past few years, was stunned in the playoffs, throwing into question the validity of their dominance and the future of their quarterback situation. This defeat, unexpected and somewhat humbling, serves as a powerful reminder for Texas’ coaching staff as they decide how best to manage the quarterback situation going forward. In this blog post, we’ll explore how Steve Sarkisian can learn from Georgia’s defeat and make a wise, long-term decision on the Ewers-Manning situation—one that not only secures the present but ensures Texas’ future success.
Georgia’s Shock Loss: A Wake-Up Call for Programs with Quarterback Dilemmas
When Georgia fell to a lower-seeded team in the 2024 College Football Playoff, it left college football fans and analysts alike questioning their decision to stick with Stetson Bennett, a quarterback who had led them to multiple national championships. Bennett’s experience was invaluable, but the loss underscored the risks of holding onto a quarterback too long and failing to integrate fresh talent into the program. While Bennett had been a stalwart for the Bulldogs, his performance in the playoff loss showed that relying solely on experience may not always be the best route.
In contrast, Georgia’s defeat could have been mitigated had they considered the same strategy that other top teams, like Alabama and Ohio State, have successfully utilized—alternating quarterbacks and ensuring that young, talented players are given a chance to develop while the starter holds down the fort. The lesson from Georgia’s loss is clear: being overly loyal to a veteran quarterback, even one with a strong track record, can lead to complacency, stagnation, and eventual disappointment in the big moments.
For Texas, the situation with Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning is remarkably similar. Both quarterbacks bring different strengths to the table: Ewers, with his experience, and Manning, with his blue-chip talent and immense potential. Sarkisian has to find a way to balance these assets without making the same mistake Georgia did—being too loyal to one player for too long at the expense of potentially unlocking a future superstar.
The Case for Quinn Ewers: A Proven, But Inconsistent Talent
Quinn Ewers was heralded as one of the best quarterback prospects in recent memory when he transferred to Texas from Ohio State. His arm strength, ability to make all the throws, and leadership skills were immediately evident, and he was expected to lead the Longhorns back to prominence. Over the course of his time at Texas, Ewers has shown flashes of brilliance, including impressive performances against high-profile teams. However, his performance has been inconsistent at times, especially in big games, which has led to some doubts about his long-term viability as the starter.
Despite his ups and downs, Ewers still represents a safe choice for Sarkisian—he knows the system, has experience leading the team, and can handle the pressure of big games. But his inconsistency, especially in moments that matter the most, raises an important question: can he lead Texas to the promised land, or is he destined to be another “almost” quarterback like others before him?
The lesson here from Georgia’s playoff loss is that relying solely on experience without considering future potential can limit a program. While Ewers is undoubtedly talented, his trajectory could plateau if he isn’t pushed or challenged. This is where Arch Manning comes into the picture.
The Case for Arch Manning: A Fresh Face With Immense Potential
Arch Manning, the crown jewel of Texas’ recruiting class, is one of the most highly anticipated quarterbacks to come into college football in recent memory. As the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch’s pedigree is unmatched. However, what’s even more impressive is his raw talent. Manning has a skill set that is already polished for his age—he possesses a strong arm, poise in the pocket, and the ability to read defenses like a seasoned pro.
However, unlike Ewers, Manning has no experience at the college level. The temptation for Sarkisian to immediately thrust Manning into the starting role is strong, but this is where Georgia’s situation offers a crucial lesson. Bringing a freshman into the starting lineup without proper development or preparation can be a gamble. Manning, despite his extraordinary talent, will need time to adjust to the speed and complexity of college football.
One major advantage that Manning has over Ewers is the excitement he brings to the team and the fanbase. His arrival at Texas has generated a buzz that few recruits in recent history have. But the key question for Sarkisian is whether that excitement can be harnessed to improve the program, or whether it risks undermining the development of the team as a whole if Manning is thrown into the fire too soon.
The Smart Decision: A Balanced Approach Between Ewers and Manning
So, what should Sarkisian do with Ewers and Manning? The answer lies in a delicate balancing act—a strategy that prioritizes the long-term success of the program over short-term rewards. Texas can learn a great deal from Georgia’s loss, particularly when it comes to quarterback development. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but a thoughtful, measured approach could position the Longhorns for both immediate success and future greatness.
1. Let Ewers Lead, but Develop Manning: Sarkisian must resist the urge to prematurely install Manning as the starter, especially given the current lack of experience in the college game. While Ewers isn’t perfect, he has the experience needed to lead the Longhorns through the early part of the season. However, Ewers should be kept on a short leash—his performance needs to be consistently evaluated, and Sarkisian should be open to making the change if Ewers falters, just as Kirby Smart would have been wise to do with Bennett at Georgia.
2. Prepare Manning for the Future: Manning should be given a substantial number of reps in practice and should see meaningful action in non-conference games or when Texas has a comfortable lead. Sarkisian should not hesitate to throw Manning into high-pressure situations as his development demands it. Giving Manning opportunities to showcase his potential while still leaning on Ewers for leadership could pay off in the long run.
3. Encourage Healthy Competition: Finally, the decision should never be solely on the shoulders of Sarkisian alone. Ewers and Manning should be constantly encouraged to compete for the starting role. Competition breeds excellence, and both quarterbacks must understand that nothing is guaranteed. This will push Ewers to avoid complacency and encourage Manning to keep improving, ensuring that both players are ready when called upon.
Conclusion: Wise Decision-Making for the Longhorns
The key takeaway from Georgia’s shocking defeat in the 2024 College Football Playoff is the importance of balancing experience with future potential. Steve Sarkisian’s job is to ensure that Texas is not only competitive today but also positioned for sustained success. This means making wise decisions when it comes to the quarterback position. By continuing to evaluate Ewers’ play while preparing Manning for the future, Sarkisian can help Texas take full advantage of both quarterbacks’ talents, ensuring that the Longhorns stay on the path to championship contention for years to come.