Steve Sarkisian References ‘Change at Quarterback’ as Arch Manning’s Call Gets Louder Than Ever
As the Texas Longhorns continue their ascent in the college football rankings, head coach Steve Sarkisian is facing increasing pressure to make a pivotal decision at the quarterback position. With the arrival of highly-touted freshman Arch Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, the question on everyone’s mind has become more pressing: will the Texas coaching staff make a change at quarterback, and could Arch Manning be the answer to the Longhorns’ future?
While current starting quarterback Quinn Ewers has shown flashes of promise, Sarkisian’s recent comments about “change at quarterback” have sparked significant debate among fans and analysts alike. With the Longhorns eyeing a potential playoff run and trying to secure a spot in the Big 12 Championship, the question of whether Sarkisian will turn to Manning sooner rather than later is one of the most intriguing storylines of the season.
Quinn Ewers, the former five-star recruit and transfer from Ohio State, has shown why he was considered one of the top quarterbacks in his class. His arm strength and ability to make difficult throws have been on display, especially in games against ranked opponents. However, Ewers has also experienced moments of inconsistency, leading to mixed results for the Longhorns.
While Ewers has led Texas to several key victories, including a huge win over Oklahoma, his play has been erratic at times. His decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations, has been questioned by fans and analysts, and his inability to maintain consistency in games where the Longhorns are favored has caused concern about his long-term potential as the starting quarterback. His struggles with turnovers, particularly in losses to Texas Tech and Kansas State, have only fueled the argument that a change at quarterback could be in order.
Enter Arch Manning. After much anticipation, Manning officially joined the Longhorns this past offseason, and with his arrival came sky-high expectations. As the third-generation quarterback in the Manning family, Arch carries the weight of a legacy built by his uncles and grandfather, each of whom excelled in the NFL. However, beyond the family pedigree, Manning is a player with rare talent who possesses a polished skill set that has been compared to some of the best quarterbacks in the country.
While Manning has yet to make his college debut, his presence on the roster has already started to make waves. Longhorn fans have been clamoring for the freshman to get an opportunity, and Sarkisian has even acknowledged the increasing “call” for Manning to take over the starting job. The timing of these comments, especially given the inconsistency from Ewers, has led many to speculate that Sarkisian could soon make a change, either in the short-term or long-term, depending on how the rest of the season unfolds.
During recent media availability, Sarkisian was asked about the quarterback situation and whether a change was on the horizon. Sarkisian, known for his measured and thoughtful responses, did not rule out the possibility of a change. In fact, he referenced the “call at quarterback” growing louder, acknowledging that it was a topic of conversation both internally and among fans.
“We have a lot of talent on this roster, and the quarterback position is obviously very important to our success,” Sarkisian said. “I think we’ve seen some really good things from Quinn, but we’ve also seen some areas where we need to improve. I think everyone on the roster knows that competition is healthy, and change at quarterback is always something that’s possible, depending on the situation. I’m going to keep evaluating it as we move forward.”
Sarkisian’s words were a clear sign that he is not closing the door on Manning’s potential to step in, but he also left the door open for Ewers to keep the job if he can improve in key areas. The phrase “change at quarterback” echoed a sentiment that Sarkisian is always looking for the best player to lead the team, regardless of seniority or prior experience. This openness to change is something that fans in Austin have taken to heart, and it has only heightened the anticipation surrounding Manning’s potential debut.
For many, the case for Manning to take over as the starting quarterback for Texas is clear. Manning is viewed as a more polished quarterback than Ewers at this stage, especially in terms of his poise and football IQ. Known for his calm demeanor under pressure, Manning has the ability to make all the throws and is also praised for his leadership qualities. His high school career at Isidore Newman in New Orleans was nothing short of legendary, and while college is a different animal, Manning has the tools to step in and succeed at the highest level.
Beyond his physical ability, Manning has something that Ewers has yet to prove consistently: the ability to protect the ball and make smart decisions in critical moments. His experience at the high school level, playing against elite competition, has prepared him for the pressures of playing for a program like Texas. Sarkisian, who has developed a reputation for grooming quarterbacks, could be the ideal coach to help Manning transition into the starting role without rushing him into a difficult situation.
The future of Quinn Ewers is uncertain as Sarkisian evaluates his quarterback situation. If Ewers continues to show inconsistency, the temptation to make a change will grow. However, Ewers still has the talent to turn his season around, and Sarkisian could opt to stick with the sophomore if he shows improvement, particularly in his decision-making and ability to execute in clutch situations.
If Sarkisian decides to give Manning the starting job, it could signal a shift in the Longhorns’ trajectory for the rest of the season and beyond. Manning would undoubtedly provide a spark to the offense, and the combination of his talent and Sarkisian’s offensive scheme could be a lethal combination.
As Texas aims to compete at the highest level in the Big 12 and beyond, the question of who will be the starting quarterback remains a defining issue. With Arch Manning’s talent and potential, combined with Sarkisian’s acknowledgment of the need for change at quarterback, the door is open for a new era in Texas football. Whether Manning takes over the starting role this season or waits for his moment next year, the Longhorns’ future at quarterback looks brighter than ever—creating an intriguing storyline for both the team and its fans.