The college football offseason is always an intriguing time for fans, players, and coaches alike. It’s a time for recruitment, roster changes, and sometimes, shocking transfers. This year, one of the most compelling storylines in college football is the future of Quinn Ewers, Texas’ former five-star quarterback, as he faces potential departure from the Longhorns amid the highly anticipated arrival of Arch Manning. With the Transfer Portal now a dominant feature in college sports, the question on everyone’s mind is where will Ewers end up if he chooses to leave Texas? And, perhaps just as importantly, what does his potential departure mean for Texas’ future with Arch Manning at the helm?
The Rise of Quinn Ewers
Quinn Ewers, a highly touted quarterback prospect from Southlake Carroll High School in Texas, was a player that drew considerable attention even before he ever set foot on a college campus. As one of the top quarterbacks in his class, Ewers was originally committed to play for the University of Texas before reclassifying and briefly committing to Ohio State. After one season as a backup at Ohio State, Ewers made the decision to return to Texas, a move that was hailed as a significant get for the Longhorns, who were looking to turn the page on a period of mediocrity at quarterback.
Ewers came into the 2022 season with high expectations, and while he showed flashes of his potential, the season was ultimately a mixed bag. He was sidelined for a portion of the season with an injury, and the Longhorns struggled to find consistency at the quarterback position. Ewers’ potential was never in question, but his performance didn’t quite live up to the massive expectations placed on him as the centerpiece of the Texas offense.
Despite those inconsistencies, the following offseason brought hope for the Longhorns. With Ewers now firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback and the team adding a talented class of recruits, including one very special name—Arch Manning—the future appeared bright for Texas. However, the arrival of Manning, the nephew of legendary NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning, has added an interesting wrinkle to the equation for Ewers.
Enter Arch Manning: The Future of Texas Football?
The arrival of Arch Manning in the 2023 recruiting class was seen as a game-changer for Texas football. As one of the most hyped recruits in recent memory, Manning has all the tools to be the future face of the Longhorns. His pedigree, skill set, and the tremendous buzz surrounding his recruitment have created an enormous amount of pressure on both the program and the quarterbacks currently on the roster. While Manning is expected to develop over time, his arrival has undoubtedly shifted the expectations for Texas’ quarterback room.
For Ewers, Manning’s arrival has raised several questions about his long-term role at Texas. Although Ewers has the talent to be a star in college football, it’s clear that the coaching staff has already started thinking about the future with Manning at the forefront. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has made it clear that he is committed to creating a quarterback competition, but Manning’s presence creates an undeniable force that could push Ewers to either elevate his game or potentially look for a fresh start elsewhere.
The presence of Manning could also create some internal pressure on Ewers, especially as his own development has been under scrutiny. While Ewers has flashed great potential, some have questioned whether he can put it all together in a way that aligns with the program’s ambitious goals. If Ewers sees Manning as the future of the program, the thought of moving on and finding a starting job elsewhere could be an enticing option.
The Transfer Portal: An Easy Exit for Ewers?
With the addition of the Transfer Portal to college football, player movement has never been more frequent or consequential. The portal has created a dynamic where players can leave their current teams for a fresh start without losing eligibility, and many quarterbacks—like Ewers—have taken advantage of this opportunity. The Transfer Portal is particularly impactful for quarterbacks, as they often have a limited window of time to prove themselves as starters, and competition can be fierce.
For Ewers, the Transfer Portal could be a natural option. After a rocky start at Ohio State and a mixed first year at Texas, Ewers may look for a program where he can be the clear-cut starter without the pressure of competing with a generational talent like Manning. Additionally, Ewers has the ability to play immediately without sitting out a season, giving him the chance to revive his career at another program.
As Ewers weighs his options, several programs could emerge as potential landing spots. Programs with coaching staffs known for developing quarterbacks or those in need of an experienced signal-caller will likely come into play.
Potential Landing Spots for Ewers
- Oregon
Oregon could be an intriguing landing spot for Ewers. With Bo Nix set to graduate after the 2023 season, the Ducks will need a new quarterback. Head coach Dan Lanning has built a solid foundation at Oregon, and Ewers’ skill set could fit well in a high-powered offense that has produced successful quarterbacks in recent years. - Nebraska
Nebraska is another potential option for Ewers. Under new head coach Matt Rhule, the Cornhuskers are looking to rebuild their program, and Ewers could be the type of quarterback that could help them return to prominence. The chance to step into a starting role in the Big Ten could be appealing to Ewers. - Florida State
Florida State, coming off a strong season under head coach Mike Norvell, could also be a possible destination for Ewers. The Seminoles have established themselves as a team on the rise, and with quarterback Jordan Travis potentially leaving after 2023, Ewers could provide the program with an experienced signal-caller to lead the offense moving forward. - Miami
Miami, with head coach Mario Cristobal leading the way, could be another landing spot for Ewers. The Hurricanes have a solid recruiting class and could use a quarterback like Ewers to take the program to the next level. Miami’s explosive offense and ability to attract top talent could be a good fit for Ewers. - UCLA
UCLA, under head coach Chip Kelly, has also been a program on the rise. If Ewers were to look for a fresh start in a Pac-12 offense that emphasizes creativity and balance, UCLA could be a fit. With Dorian Thompson-Robinson leaving the program after 2023, Ewers could step in and compete for the starting job.
What Does This Mean for Texas?
Should Ewers leave Texas, the Longhorns will likely turn to Arch Manning as the future of their program. Manning’s arrival, while creating immediate competition, also represents the Longhorns’ long-term investment in their quarterback position. With Manning under center, Texas hopes to build a national championship contender, and they believe Manning has the potential to lead them to glory.
If Ewers stays, it could create an interesting dynamic in the quarterback room. Ewers would have to compete with Manning for the starting job, which could push both players to their limits. In the end, it will be up to head coach Steve Sarkisian to navigate this quarterback battle and ensure the best player starts.
Conclusion
As the college football offseason unfolds, the future of Quinn Ewers remains one of the most intriguing storylines. His potential departure from Texas amid the rise of Arch Manning has created a buzz in the Transfer Portal. Whether he stays and competes for the starting job or chooses to move on to a new program, Ewers’ next move will be a pivotal moment in his career and the future of Texas football.