Texas Battle Continues Between Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning as a Famous Insider Gives His Two Cents About It
The Texas Longhorns are no strangers to the spotlight, and for the past several years, the quarterback position has been a focal point of their success—or lack thereof. As the 2024 college football season looms on the horizon, one of the most anticipated storylines for the Longhorns remains the ongoing battle at quarterback. The two frontrunners for the job: Quinn Ewers, the talented, experienced signal-caller from the class of 2022, and Arch Manning, the five-star freshman prodigy with an illustrious family legacy. With both quarterbacks vying for the starting position, tensions are rising, and the competition is heating up in Austin. Recently, a famous insider in the college football world has weighed in on this heated battle, offering his perspective on who may ultimately emerge as the starting quarterback for the Longhorns.
The Contestants: Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning
Before diving into the insider’s take, it’s essential to understand the stakes in this quarterback battle.
Quinn Ewers, the sophomore from Southlake, Texas, arrived in Austin with a tremendous amount of hype as the top-rated quarterback in the 2022 recruiting class. He quickly became the face of Texas football, following a high school career that saw him throw for over 4,000 yards and 45 touchdowns in his senior season. After spending a year at Ohio State, Ewers transferred back home to Texas, where he was expected to be the savior of the Longhorns’ quarterback position.
In 2023, Ewers showed flashes of brilliance but also struggled with consistency at times. He had some incredible performances, such as his brilliant game against Alabama, where he threw for 349 yards and led Texas to a thrilling victory. However, injuries and inconsistent play plagued him throughout the season. His performances were good enough to keep the Longhorns in the Big 12 Championship race, but many still feel that the team could achieve greater heights with more consistent quarterback play.
Arch Manning, the highly-touted freshman, has perhaps the most famous last name in college football history. As the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch comes with a legacy that few quarterbacks could ever dream of. The five-star recruit from New Orleans, Louisiana, was the most highly sought-after player in the 2023 recruiting class, choosing to follow in his family’s footsteps by committing to Texas. While Manning’s high school career was impressive, with a combination of elite arm strength, poise in the pocket, and football IQ, questions remain about how quickly he will transition to the college level. Many expect Manning to be a future star, but it’s still unclear whether he’ll be ready to take the reins in his freshman year or if he’ll need some time to develop behind a veteran like Ewers.
Both quarterbacks bring different skill sets to the table, with Ewers known for his deep ball accuracy and Manning for his ability to read defenses and his impeccable mechanics. The situation sets the stage for what could be an intense, high-stakes competition for the starting job.
The Insider’s Take: Why the Battle Is So Intriguing
Recently, a well-known college football insider, Bruce Feldman of The Athletic, gave his two cents on the ongoing quarterback battle in Austin. Feldman, who has years of experience covering college football and is known for his deep sources within the sport, offered some insight into what’s really going on behind the scenes and what factors could determine who wins the starting job.
According to Feldman, the battle between Ewers and Manning is much closer than some may think, and it will likely come down to who can handle the pressure of leading Texas back to national prominence. He noted that both quarterbacks have their strengths but also face challenges that will need to be addressed if either one is to emerge as the true leader of the Longhorns in 2024.
Feldman pointed out that Ewers has the advantage of experience. As a sophomore, Ewers has already played a full season in the Big 12 and shown that he can be a capable starting quarterback. His ability to make explosive plays with his arm, especially on deep passes, gives Texas an edge in an offense that thrives on big plays. However, Feldman also acknowledged Ewers’ struggles with consistency, particularly his inability to maintain a high level of play over a full season. If Ewers is to hold onto the starting job, he’ll need to show more stability and reduce the turnovers that have hurt Texas in critical moments.
On the other hand, Feldman believes that Manning’s natural talent and high football IQ make him a very real contender for the starting role. Manning’s ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and execute the Longhorns’ offensive scheme with precision is something that has impressed the coaching staff, according to Feldman’s sources. Although Manning’s experience at the college level is limited, his poise under pressure and his command of the huddle are traits that can’t be overlooked.
One of the key factors that Feldman highlighted is Manning’s readiness for the spotlight. While Ewers has faced his fair share of scrutiny as the incumbent starter, Manning’s name alone carries an immense amount of pressure. Texas fans are eager to see if he can live up to the legendary expectations placed upon him. Feldman pointed out that while Manning’s debut in Austin will come with a lot of attention, it’s essential for the coaching staff to ensure he’s given a proper developmental arc to prevent overwhelming him too early.
The Pressure of High Expectations
For both quarterbacks, the pressure to succeed is enormous. Texas has long been searching for a quarterback who can lead them to the promised land of a national title, and the competition between Ewers and Manning is likely to define the program for the next few years. In the eyes of many fans, the future of Texas football is riding on this decision.
Feldman noted that the situation might be even more intense than most fans realize because of the high stakes involved. For Texas to compete with the likes of Oklahoma, Alabama, and Georgia in the College Football Playoff race, they need consistent quarterback play. The Longhorns haven’t had a quarterback who could elevate the program in a way that brings a championship back to Austin since Vince Young, and fans are hoping that one of these two quarterbacks can step up and lead them back to national prominence.
The key difference between the two, Feldman argued, may ultimately come down to who best fits head coach Steve Sarkisian’s system. While Ewers brings more experience to the table, Manning’s ability to adapt quickly could be a deciding factor. Sarkisian’s offense demands both arm strength and the ability to make quick reads, and while Ewers has shown glimpses of this, Manning’s natural talent could give him an edge if he can quickly learn the intricacies of the system.
The Final Verdict: What’s Next for Texas?
As of now, the starting quarterback position at Texas remains a mystery. Both Ewers and Manning bring different strengths to the table, and while it’s clear that Manning’s potential is immense, it’s equally clear that Ewers has the advantage of experience. What remains to be seen is how the battle will unfold as the season approaches and which quarterback will rise to the occasion.
Feldman’s analysis suggests that this battle will likely go into the fall, with the coaching staff giving both players ample opportunities to prove themselves. One thing is certain: the competition between Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning will continue to be one of the most intriguing storylines in college football heading into 2024. For Texas fans, the hope is that the Longhorns will finally find their quarterback, whether it be in the form of the seasoned Ewers or the talented Manning, who can lead them back to championship contention.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Texas, eagerly awaiting the decision on who will take the reins as the Longhorns’ next great quarterback.
