As the Texas Longhorns continue their climb toward football supremacy, major shifts in the quarterback room have sparked intense discussion among fans, analysts, and experts. According to reports circulating in December 2024, Quinn Ewers, the once-promising starting quarterback for Texas, is planning to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. This decision, while not entirely unexpected, sets the stage for Arch Manning, the highly touted freshman, to take over as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback heading into the 2025 season. Let’s dive into the implications of these moves and what it means for the future of Texas football.
The Rise of Quinn Ewers
Quinn Ewers, who transferred to Texas in 2022 after a brief stint at Ohio State, was seen as the key to returning Texas to elite status in college football. Ewers, a former No. 1 overall recruit in the 2021 class, had a highly anticipated arrival in Austin, Texas, with hopes that he would be the quarterback to lead the Longhorns back to the top of the Big 12 and into national title contention.
In his first season with the Longhorns (2022), Ewers showed flashes of brilliance but also struggled with consistency. He started strong but missed several games due to injury, which ultimately led to a mixed bag of performances. Nevertheless, his raw talent was undeniable, and Texas fans remained hopeful that with another year of development, he would fully blossom into one of the nation’s premier quarterbacks.
By 2023, Ewers seemed to have put things together. He was the focal point of Texas’ offense, leading the team to a solid season in the competitive Big 12. He improved his passing accuracy, made better decisions, and led the Longhorns to several key victories, including a dominant win over Alabama in a nationally televised showdown. Yet, despite the improvements, Texas faced challenges in the latter stages of the season, and the team fell short of a College Football Playoff berth. Ewers’ NFL prospects were solid, but questions about his long-term consistency remained.
After a promising 2023 season, Ewers returned to Texas for the 2024 campaign, with hopes of improving further and putting himself in position to be a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, reports surfaced that the pressure of competing for a spot in the NFL, coupled with the rise of freshman sensation Arch Manning, made the decision to declare for the NFL Draft an increasingly likely outcome for Ewers.
Arch Manning: The Future of Texas Football
Enter Arch Manning, one of the most anticipated quarterback recruits in recent history. The name Manning carries weight in the football world, with Arch being the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning and the grandson of Archie Manning, an iconic figure in football. The Manning family’s legacy cast a long shadow over Arch, and many believed he was destined for stardom.
Arch Manning’s decision to play for Texas was a seismic shift in the college football landscape. It was a major coup for head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns’ recruiting efforts, signaling that Texas was once again a destination for elite talent. While Manning’s skill set was widely recognized, his decision to commit to Texas raised eyebrows as it would create an intense quarterback competition. Manning arrived in Austin as one of the highest-ranked recruits in the 2023 class, and expectations for his development were sky-high.
Despite his high-profile status, Manning’s first season at Texas was marked by a need for patience. The Longhorns had a solid starting quarterback in Ewers, and as a true freshman, Manning wasn’t immediately thrust into the starting role. Instead, he spent time learning under the tutelage of Sarkisian and observing Ewers, biding his time for the right opportunity. Manning’s performances during practices and limited game appearances were encouraging, and he quickly gained a reputation as a natural playmaker with an incredible arm and poise beyond his years.
The Shift: Ewers Declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft
Ewers’ decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft is both a reflection of his confidence in his development and a nod to the changing dynamics of the Texas quarterback room. In many ways, his decision comes as a natural progression in his career. He has shown enough potential to be viewed as a high pick in the 2025 draft, but his time in Austin is likely coming to an end. For Ewers, the lure of the NFL is undeniable, and after several years of development and strong performances at Texas, he may feel ready to make the leap to the next level.
For Texas, Ewers’ departure marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter. With Manning ready to take over as the starting quarterback, Texas is poised to shift its focus to the future. This transition represents a key moment in the Longhorns’ rebuilding process under Sarkisian, and the quarterback position is now squarely in Manning’s hands.
Manning’s time to shine has arrived. As the presumed starting quarterback for the 2025 season, he will be expected to live up to the immense expectations placed on his shoulders. His ability to adapt quickly to the college game and lead Texas to a high level of success will be closely watched by fans, media, and scouts alike.
The Impact on Texas Football
With Arch Manning now set to take the reins as the starting quarterback, Texas enters a new phase in its quest for national relevance. The Longhorns have long been a powerhouse program in college football, but they have struggled in recent years to regain the level of dominance they once enjoyed. The hope is that Manning will be the missing piece in a Texas offense that has the potential to be explosive under Sarkisian.
Sarkisian, a former quarterback himself and an offensive mastermind, has already shown that he can develop quarterbacks at a high level. His ability to get the best out of his quarterbacks, as evidenced by his work with Ewers and his past success with quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa at Alabama, gives Texas fans hope that Manning will flourish under his guidance. Additionally, Manning will have a solid supporting cast of offensive weapons, including talented running backs and wide receivers, to help him thrive in his first season as a starter.
However, with the immense pressure placed on Manning as the heir to the Manning family legacy, expectations will be sky-high. Texas fans will expect immediate results, and any struggles in Manning’s first season could lead to harsh criticism. But with his pedigree, skills, and maturity, Manning is more than equipped to handle the challenges ahead.
The Road Ahead
For Ewers, declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft represents the next step in his journey. While his tenure at Texas was marked by both ups and downs, his potential as a pro quarterback remains evident. If he declares and tests the NFL waters, he could become one of the top quarterbacks in the draft class. He will likely face intense competition from other standout prospects, but his combination of size, arm strength, and potential could make him an attractive pick for NFL teams in need of a franchise quarterback.
As for Texas, the road ahead is filled with both excitement and uncertainty. With Manning now in the driver’s seat, the Longhorns will be looking to build on their momentum and aim for a College Football Playoff appearance in the near future. The quarterback battle between Ewers and Manning may have been one of the most high-profile storylines in recent Texas history, but with Manning now in charge, it’s time for the Longhorns to look forward, not backward.
In conclusion, the decision for Quinn Ewers to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft and for Arch Manning to step into the starting role at Texas marks the dawn of a new era for Longhorns football. While Ewers’ departure leaves a void, Manning’s arrival offers a sense of hope and excitement for a program looking to return to the national spotlight. Fans can only wait to see what’s next as Texas football navigates this pivotal transition.