In the world of college football, few decisions can stir as much debate and speculation as a head coach’s choice of starting quarterback. For Steve Sarkisian, head coach of the Texas Longhorns, the decision to stick with Quinn Ewers over highly-touted freshman Arch Manning was a choice that carried immense scrutiny and pressure. However, as the season has unfolded and Texas finds itself back on the national stage with an impressive season, Sarkisian is now enjoying a well-deserved victory lap. His faith in Ewers has been validated, and the once-controversial choice is looking like a stroke of genius.
In this blog post, we’ll explore Sarkisian’s decision to stick with Quinn Ewers, the significance of that choice, and how it’s paid off for both the Longhorns and Sarkisian himself. We’ll also take a deeper dive into how Ewers’ performance has helped validate Sarkisian’s approach, and why this victory lap is more than just about a quarterback decision—it’s about the broader vision and future of Texas football under Sarkisian.
The Quarterback Controversy: Sticking with Ewers Over Manning
When Arch Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, committed to the University of Texas in 2023, it sent shockwaves through the college football world. Manning’s arrival in Austin immediately thrust Texas into the national spotlight, and the hype surrounding him reached unparalleled heights. A five-star recruit with one of the most famous last names in football history, Manning was quickly viewed as the future of Texas football.
However, the timing of his arrival placed Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian in a difficult position. Despite Manning’s immense talent and legacy, Texas already had Quinn Ewers, the sophomore quarterback who had transferred from Ohio State. Ewers had shown flashes of brilliance in his freshman year but had also faced inconsistency, making it a tough call for Sarkisian. Would he give the reins to the highly-touted Manning, or would he stick with Ewers, who had more experience in Sarkisian’s system?
For much of the offseason, speculation ran rampant. Many assumed that Manning’s star power would be too much to ignore, but Sarkisian made the bold decision to stick with Ewers as the starting quarterback for the 2023 season. This was no small decision. It not only placed the Longhorns’ season in Ewers’ hands but also sent a message about Sarkisian’s approach to leadership, development, and team dynamics. Sarkisian’s decision was clear—he was betting on the development of Ewers, trusting that the sophomore would take a leap forward under his guidance.
The Early Season Struggles and Growing Pains
It wasn’t all smooth sailing in the early part of the season. Ewers, while showing flashes of brilliance, also experienced moments of inconsistency. There were growing pains, and some questioned whether the Longhorns were truly making the right choice by keeping Ewers over Manning. Texas, which was expected to be a contender in the Big 12, was being tested early, and the pressure on Sarkisian to deliver results grew stronger by the week.
In particular, the loss to Alabama early in the season was a test of both Ewers and Sarkisian’s decision-making. While Ewers showed resilience in parts of the game, it was evident that the Longhorns still needed to grow, and that growth would depend on whether Ewers could continue to develop. Manning, on the other hand, was waiting in the wings, and some questioned whether Sarkisian’s faith in Ewers would ultimately pay off or backfire.
However, throughout the early season struggles, Sarkisian stayed calm and resolute. He emphasized that Ewers was his quarterback and that the process of developing him would take time. It was clear that Sarkisian wasn’t just looking for short-term success, but he was building something long-term. This unwavering commitment to Ewers, even when the team faced adversity, would prove to be a defining factor in the Longhorns’ eventual turnaround.
The Turning Point: Ewers’ Growth and Development
As the season wore on, Ewers began to show the growth that Sarkisian had hoped for. After a difficult start, Ewers became more comfortable within the system, his accuracy improved, and he started making more decisive plays in critical moments. His performance against Big 12 opponents, in particular, showed that he was growing into his role as the leader of the offense. Sarkisian’s commitment to Ewers was starting to pay off.
Ewers’ growth was most apparent in his ability to read defenses and make adjustments. He showed an increasing command of the offense and was able to execute Sarkisian’s complex playbook with more confidence. His chemistry with his receivers, notably Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington, also took a step forward. What had started as a season filled with question marks was now looking like a campaign where Ewers was starting to turn into the quarterback that Sarkisian had hoped he would become.
Perhaps the defining moment of Ewers’ growth came in the Longhorns’ dominant win over the Kansas State Wildcats, where he displayed poise, precision, and leadership. Ewers not only threw for multiple touchdowns but also avoided the mistakes that had plagued him earlier in the season. The performance was a clear sign that Sarkisian’s patience with Ewers was paying off and that the young quarterback had officially taken the reins of the offense.
Sarkisian’s Validation: A Victory Lap
With each passing victory and as Ewers continues to grow, Steve Sarkisian is gaining validation for his decision to stick with the sophomore quarterback. The storyline of sticking with Ewers over Manning is now less about who would be the better quarterback and more about the long-term vision for Texas football. Sarkisian didn’t just choose Ewers because of his experience or his potential—he chose him because he believed in the process of player development, and he believed that Ewers was the right quarterback to lead the Longhorns forward.
The turning point for Sarkisian and his coaching staff came when the team began to click. Texas’ offense became one of the more potent units in the Big 12, with Ewers playing a crucial role in the team’s success. The Longhorns were once again considered one of the top teams in the conference, and the trajectory of the program was beginning to shift under Sarkisian’s leadership. As the team moved toward a potential Big 12 Championship and a return to the College Football Playoff picture, Sarkisian could reflect on the decision to stick with Ewers and feel validated.
The win over Kansas State and subsequent strong performances from Ewers served as the exclamation point on Sarkisian’s decision. While Manning’s time will come, it was clear that Sarkisian’s choice to go with Ewers this season wasn’t just about today—it was about building a sustainable, long-term program.
What This Means for Texas’ Future
Sarkisian’s victory lap is not just about one season. It’s about a larger vision for Texas football. By sticking with Ewers, Sarkisian has shown that he’s committed to developing quarterbacks and building a program that prioritizes growth and long-term success. The stability provided by Ewers, coupled with Sarkisian’s offensive brilliance, has given Texas the foundation it needs to make a sustained run at championships.
The future of Texas football is brighter than ever, with a solid quarterback in Ewers, a dynamic recruiting class led by Manning, and a head coach who has proven that he can make the tough decisions and deliver results. The Longhorns are now back on the map as national contenders, and Sarkisian’s faith in Ewers has proven to be a key ingredient in their resurgence.
Conclusion: Sarkisian’s Long-Term Vision Is Coming to Fruition
Steve Sarkisian’s decision to stick with Quinn Ewers over Arch Manning was a bold one, but it’s paying off in spades. As Ewers continues to develop and Texas looks poised for a strong finish to the season, it’s clear that Sarkisian’s vision for the program is coming to fruition. The Longhorns are a team on the rise, and the decision to bet on Ewers rather than caving to the pressure surrounding Manning has proven to be the right one. Sarkisian is now able to take his victory lap, knowing that the future of Texas football is in good hands.