The Texas Longhorns football program has been a fixture of college football for decades, with a history steeped in glory, talented rosters, and championship aspirations. In recent years, however, the Longhorns have been on a quest to return to their former dominance, and a new chapter in their saga seems to be unfolding with the arrival of Arch Manning, the highly touted quarterback from the Manning family dynasty. The expectations surrounding Arch are enormous, and many Longhorns fans are already clamoring for him to take the reins under center, despite strong performances from incumbent starter Quinn Ewers.
Quinn Ewers, a former five-star recruit who transferred from Ohio State, has had a turbulent yet exciting journey at Texas. His heroics in the 2023 season, including a dramatic victory over Arizona State (ASU), had fans and analysts alike praising his potential and leadership. But despite Ewers’ success, a growing faction of Texas supporters is eager for Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns’ head coach, to turn to Arch Manning as the starting quarterback. For these fans, the “Manning era” is a long-awaited reality, and they believe it’s time for the young heir to the Manning legacy to seize control of the offense.
This situation has created an intriguing dynamic at Texas, where a star-studded freshman is battling for the starting job with a talented and experienced incumbent. The question on many minds is: Should Sarkisian start Arch Manning immediately, or does Quinn Ewers deserve more time to prove himself as Texas’ quarterback of the future?
The Manning Legacy: A Shadow Over Texas
Arch Manning’s commitment to Texas was one of the most highly publicized events in recent college football history. As the son of Cooper Manning, nephew of Peyton Manning, and grandson of Archie Manning, Arch carries the weight of an incredible football legacy. He’s widely regarded as one of the most talented quarterbacks in his class, with a blend of size, arm strength, accuracy, and football IQ that makes him an ideal fit for a program looking to return to prominence.
From the moment Manning announced his commitment to Texas, the Longhorns became a focal point for college football fans. Manning’s arrival in Austin brought a sense of hope to a fanbase that has been searching for a quarterback capable of leading them to national championships. The Longhorns have had their share of quarterback talent over the years, but none have fully delivered on the promise of returning the program to its glory days. Manning, with his family pedigree, was seen as the player who could break that drought and restore Texas to elite status.
The immense expectations placed on Manning are both a blessing and a curse. While fans and media alike have been quick to anoint him as the savior of the program, the pressure on Manning to live up to his famous last name is monumental. And while Manning’s potential is undeniable, it’s also important to remember that he is still a freshman. The transition to college football is never easy, and even a player as talented as Manning needs time to adjust to the speed and complexity of the game at the highest level.
Quinn Ewers: A Heroic Performance Against ASU
Amid the growing clamoring for Arch Manning, Quinn Ewers has shown flashes of brilliance that have made it clear why he’s still a highly talented quarterback with a bright future. Ewers transferred to Texas from Ohio State in 2022, after a year where he was a backup behind CJ Stroud. Texas fans had high hopes for him upon his arrival, and while his first season was marred by inconsistency and injury, his performance in 2023 has proven that he has the tools to be a top-tier quarterback.
In particular, Ewers’ dramatic heroics in the 2023 game against Arizona State (ASU) solidified his place as a quarterback with the potential to lead Texas to victory in high-stakes moments. In a back-and-forth affair that saw the Longhorns locked in a tense battle with the Sun Devils, Ewers played with poise and confidence, making clutch throws that kept Texas alive and ultimately propelled them to victory. His performance in the ASU game demonstrated a maturity that was previously questioned, with Ewers showing the ability to perform under pressure, make quick decisions, and execute at a high level. His ability to bounce back from adversity was a key takeaway from that game, as he displayed the mental toughness necessary for a quarterback aiming for greatness.
Despite this heroic showing, however, there’s still the specter of Arch Manning looming over the Texas quarterback competition. Manning’s presence in the program has created a unique dynamic, where Ewers is not just competing with other quarterbacks but with the legacy of one of the most famous football families in history. As a result, some fans believe that it’s time to turn the page and give Manning the keys to the offense, regardless of Ewers’ strong performance.
The Debate: Ewers or Manning?
The debate over whether Steve Sarkisian should start Arch Manning or stick with Quinn Ewers has divided Texas fans. On one side, you have fans who argue that the future of the program is Arch Manning. These fans believe that Manning represents the next step in Texas’ quest for a national championship and that starting him early is the best way to prepare for the future. Manning’s pedigree, his exceptional high school career, and the hype surrounding his recruitment all point to the fact that he has the potential to be a generational quarterback for the Longhorns. Given that he’s now in the program, many feel that it’s time for Texas to move forward and let the Manning era officially begin.
On the other side, there are those who believe that Quinn Ewers deserves more time to develop and prove himself. Ewers has shown that he can rise to the occasion when needed, as evidenced by his performance against ASU. For these fans, the notion of throwing Manning into the starting role without fully developing Ewers would be a disservice to the team and the program. Ewers has a wealth of experience, and starting him for another season could provide the Longhorns with a better chance at success in 2023, while still allowing Manning to learn and acclimate to the college game in a less pressured environment.
The situation is a classic case of balancing short-term success with long-term potential. While Ewers could provide immediate stability and leadership, Manning brings the promise of a new era—one that could potentially see Texas return to national prominence after years of mediocrity. Steve Sarkisian, who has an eye for talent and a reputation for developing quarterbacks, will have to weigh the pros and cons of starting either quarterback.
The Challenge for Steve Sarkisian
For Steve Sarkisian, the decision is not an easy one. As the architect of Texas’ offensive system, Sarkisian must carefully consider the long-term impact of his decision. Starting Arch Manning could spark excitement and energy among the fanbase, but it could also come with the growing pains of a freshman quarterback learning on the fly. Meanwhile, sticking with Quinn Ewers could provide more immediate stability, but it could lead to frustration if Ewers struggles or if the team fails to meet its lofty expectations.
Ultimately, Sarkisian’s ability to manage this quarterback competition will define the direction of the Texas program in the coming years. Whether he chooses to hand the reins to Manning or keep Ewers in control, the Longhorns are in a position to succeed with either player. The key will be managing expectations and ensuring that both quarterbacks have the support and resources they need to thrive.
Conclusion
The debate over who should start at quarterback for the Texas Longhorns is more than just a football conversation—it’s about the future of the program. Fans are eager for the “Manning era” to begin, but they must also acknowledge the talent and potential of Quinn Ewers. Steve Sarkisian is in the unenviable position of balancing the short-term needs of the team with the long-term goals of the program. Regardless of who takes the field, Texas has a bright future ahead, and the quarterback position will play a pivotal role in shaping that future. Whether it’s Quinn Ewers leading the charge or Arch Manning taking over, the Longhorns are poised to be a force in college football for years to come.
