In the world of college football, quarterback controversies are nothing new, but the debate surrounding Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian’s decision to stick with Quinn Ewers over five-star freshman Arch Manning has become one of the most talked-about topics this season. With the College Football Playoff on the horizon and a playoff berth in the balance, Sarkisian’s loyalty to Ewers, despite Manning’s arrival with sky-high expectations, has sparked considerable conversation.
On the surface, the decision seems straightforward: Ewers is the more experienced quarterback, having started for Texas for much of the season, while Manning is a freshman adjusting to the rigors of college football. However, the loyalty Sarkisian has shown to Ewers—particularly given Manning’s talent and potential—has caused many to question whether Texas is making the best use of its roster, and whether this move speaks to a larger strategy for the program’s future.
In this blog post, we’ll explore Sarkisian’s rationale for sticking with Ewers, the dynamics of the quarterback competition at Texas, and how this decision could shape the program moving forward.
Quinn Ewers: The Experienced Starter
Quinn Ewers has been the starting quarterback for Texas for most of the 2023 season, and his experience, both at the collegiate and high school levels, cannot be overlooked. After transferring from Ohio State, Ewers was expected to be the face of the Texas offense for several years. He is a former five-star recruit with a cannon of an arm, a strong football IQ, and a proven ability to make plays in big moments.
Throughout this season, Ewers has had his ups and downs, as many young quarterbacks do. He has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with his ability to throw deep balls and keep defenses on their heels with his strong arm. However, he has also struggled with inconsistency, particularly in games where the pressure was high, and mistakes such as interceptions and poor decision-making have occasionally derailed Texas’ momentum. Despite these issues, Sarkisian has remained loyal to Ewers, consistently reaffirming his confidence in the junior quarterback.
Ewers’ overall numbers may not reflect the elite status many projected him to achieve at Texas, but his experience in the system and in high-stakes games has provided a sense of stability for the Longhorns. Sarkisian, who has worked with top-tier quarterbacks in the past, likely values this experience and believes that with the right coaching and improvement, Ewers can still elevate his game when it matters most—especially during the postseason.
Arch Manning’s Arrival: A Game-Changer for Texas
Arch Manning’s arrival at Texas has brought with it an unprecedented level of hype. As the son of Cooper Manning and the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch entered college football with more expectations than perhaps any player in recent memory. His natural talent—his ability to make all the throws, his football IQ, and his pedigree—has made him the focal point of Texas’ recruiting efforts and a future cornerstone of the program.
Despite his status as a true freshman, Manning was expected to push for the starting job from day one. His five-star status, combined with the pressures of being part of the Manning family, has made him a symbol of hope for a program that has long searched for its next great quarterback. Manning’s arrival was supposed to be a turning point for Texas, and the Longhorns’ fanbase was excited about the potential of having a generational talent at the helm.
However, as the season has unfolded, Manning has not yet earned the starting role. While he has played in a handful of games and shown flashes of brilliance, Sarkisian has been cautious with how he has used the freshman quarterback. Manning’s development is clearly a priority, but Sarkisian has made it clear that Ewers remains his guy for now, even though Manning’s upside has many fans and analysts clamoring for a change.
Sarkisian’s Loyalty to Ewers: A Matter of Trust
The decision to remain loyal to Ewers over Manning comes down to trust. Steve Sarkisian has shown a deep belief in the capabilities of his starting quarterback, despite the inconsistencies in Ewers’ play. Sarkisian, known for his offensive acumen and ability to develop quarterbacks, has a clear understanding of what Ewers brings to the table. Sarkisian likely believes that with more experience and continued development, Ewers can reach his full potential.
Furthermore, Sarkisian may also feel that benching Ewers in favor of Manning could disrupt the chemistry of the offense. Quarterback changes often create uncertainty in the locker room and can lead to disruptions in offensive timing and execution. Given the high stakes of the playoff race, Sarkisian may have opted to stick with Ewers to maintain continuity within the offense. This consistency could help Texas gel at the most critical point of the season.
In addition, there are a number of factors that may make Ewers the better choice for Texas in the short term. Ewers is a more polished product compared to Manning, particularly when it comes to game experience. The Texas coaching staff likely feels that Ewers is better equipped to handle the pressures of high-stakes games, especially as the Longhorns aim for a playoff berth. Manning, while incredibly talented, has a lot to prove at the college level, and Sarkisian may want to give him more time to adjust to the rigors of the competition before giving him the keys to the offense in such a high-pressure situation.
The Debate: Is Loyalty to Ewers Costing Texas?
While Sarkisian’s loyalty to Ewers is admirable, it has sparked a debate among fans and analysts alike. Many feel that Texas could be wasting a golden opportunity by sticking with Ewers, especially given Manning’s talent and the potential for a future dynasty. Arch Manning’s ceiling is incredibly high, and there are concerns that by keeping him on the bench, Texas could be missing out on a chance to develop one of the best quarterbacks in the country.
Supporters of Manning argue that he should have already taken over as the starter, citing his natural ability, football intelligence, and poise. With a generational talent like Manning in your roster, the belief is that Texas should be putting him in a position to succeed and get valuable experience, especially in the postseason. The thought is that starting Manning now could set up Texas for years of success, not just one season.
On the other hand, there are those who believe Sarkisian is doing the right thing by sticking with Ewers. The quarterback position requires stability, and Sarkisian may feel that Ewers has earned the opportunity to lead the team through the playoff race. There are also questions about Manning’s readiness—while his raw talent is undeniable, it’s unclear whether he’s fully developed for the challenges that come with starting in high-stakes games. Ewers, for all his inconsistencies, has the experience and has faced pressure situations before.
Ultimately, the debate boils down to whether Texas is in the best position to succeed this season or if the program is simply playing for the future. Sarkisian’s loyalty to Ewers may not just be about this season—it may also be about continuing to build a foundation for Texas’ long-term success while giving Manning the time he needs to grow.
What’s at Stake for Texas?
The decision to stick with Ewers over Manning carries significant implications for Texas. A successful playoff run with Ewers at the helm would validate Sarkisian’s decision and could propel the Longhorns into the national spotlight. However, if Ewers falters and Texas falls short of its playoff goals, the criticism of Sarkisian’s choice will only grow louder, especially if Manning is seen as the future of the program.
On the flip side, if Manning is given the chance to start and thrives, it could accelerate Texas’ success on the national stage and set up a strong foundation for years to come. Either way, the quarterback decision is pivotal, not just for this season, but for the direction of the program under Sarkisian’s leadership.
Conclusion
Steve Sarkisian’s loyalty to Quinn Ewers over Arch Manning is one of the most intriguing storylines in college football as Texas heads into the final stretch of the season. While Ewers’ experience provides stability, Manning’s raw talent represents the future of Texas football. Sarkisian’s decision to remain committed to Ewers raises important questions about the Longhorns’ immediate and long-term goals. Whether this decision ultimately pays off for Texas or not, it’s clear that Sarkisian’s handling of the quarterback position will be a defining aspect of his tenure at Texas and could shape the program’s future for years to come.