Quinn Ewers arrived at the University of Texas as one of the most hyped quarterback prospects in recent memory, a five-star recruit with immense potential and an arm that could make any football fan sit up and take notice. His journey to Austin, which involved a high-profile transfer from Ohio State after just one season, was framed by sky-high expectations. However, after a mixed bag of performances in his first season as Texas’ starting quarterback, Ewers’ future at the program is now a topic of intense scrutiny. With the arrival of five-star recruit Arch Manning and the continued development of the team, what does the future hold for Ewers? Can he still be the Longhorns’ quarterback for years to come, or is his position at risk?
Quinn Ewers’ journey to Texas was anything but typical. After initially committing to Texas as a high school senior, Ewers made headlines when he reclassified to the 2021 recruiting class, eventually enrolling at Ohio State. However, after just one year with the Buckeyes, where he played sparingly behind Heisman hopeful C.J. Stroud, Ewers made the decision to transfer back to Texas in 2022. The move sent shockwaves through the college football world, as it seemed the Longhorns had secured a generational talent.
In his first season as Texas’ starting quarterback, Ewers showed flashes of brilliance but also demonstrated the growing pains of a young quarterback adjusting to the demands of college football. In his debut against Alabama, Ewers was impressive, showing poise and arm strength in what was a near-upset win. However, injuries and inconsistency hampered his ability to build on that performance. A shoulder injury in the Alabama game sidelined him for several weeks, and when he returned, the team struggled with offensive consistency. Despite the promise, Ewers’ play was up and down—an issue that would follow him throughout the season.
Despite these challenges, Ewers has undeniable talent. His arm strength is among the best in the country, and when he is on, he can make every throw on the field. However, he must refine his decision-making, cut down on turnovers, and improve his ability to handle pressure in order to reach his potential. These are the areas that have caused concern among fans and analysts alike, and they will be pivotal in determining whether Ewers can lead Texas back to national prominence.
One of the most significant developments affecting Ewers’ future at Texas is the arrival of Arch Manning, the highly-touted five-star recruit and the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning. Arch’s commitment to Texas has been a major coup for the program, with many fans and analysts believing that he will eventually take over as the starting quarterback. Given his impressive high school career and family legacy, Manning is expected to be the future of the Texas program.
Manning’s arrival has added an extra layer of pressure to Ewers’ situation. While he is technically the incumbent starter, the shadow of Manning looms large. The quarterback battle between the two will be one of the most closely watched storylines in college football over the next few years. Many believe that Manning’s talent and pedigree make him the eventual starter, but the competition will be fierce, and Ewers will not relinquish the job without a fight.
As we look ahead to the 2024 season and beyond, several factors will determine Quinn Ewers’ future at Texas. First and foremost, Ewers’ performance on the field will be the biggest factor in his fate. If he can show consistent improvement, reduce mistakes, and lead the Longhorns to victory in crucial games, he will solidify his place as the starting quarterback. Sarkisian’s offense has the potential to suit Ewers’ skill set, and the Longhorns’ success in the Big 12 and beyond will hinge on his development.
However, Ewers is not the only one competing for the job. Manning’s arrival means that Ewers will have to fight for his spot every day in practice. The Longhorns’ coaching staff, led by Steve Sarkisian, has already made it clear that the starting position will not be handed to anyone. This healthy competition could be just what Ewers needs to push him to the next level.
Another important aspect to consider is Ewers’ maturity and ability to handle the pressure. Texas football is under a microscope, and the Longhorns’ fans expect nothing less than excellence from their quarterback. The distractions that come with the spotlight can be overwhelming, but Ewers has the potential to rise above them if he stays focused. This is especially true as Manning’s presence might bring added media attention and expectations. How Ewers handles this will be a key factor in his future with the program.
It’s possible that Ewers could hold onto the starting job for the foreseeable future, even with Manning breathing down his neck. While Manning’s talent is undeniable, it’s also important to remember that transitioning from high school to college football is a significant challenge, especially at a program like Texas. Ewers has already experienced the ups and downs of college football, and that experience might give him the edge over Manning in the short term.
However, Ewers’ future at Texas is far from guaranteed. If his struggles with consistency continue, or if Manning quickly adapts to college football, the starting role may soon belong to the younger Manning. It’s also worth considering that the quarterback position at Texas has been volatile in recent years, with no clear, long-term starter emerging. If Ewers can’t secure the job and continue to progress, his future at Texas could be in jeopardy.
The future of Quinn Ewers at Texas hinges on his ability to prove himself in a highly competitive environment. With Arch Manning in the fold, Ewers is facing a make-or-break season in 2024. If he can harness his raw talent, stay consistent, and lead Texas to victories, he could solidify his place as the Longhorns’ quarterback for years to come. However, if Manning outperforms him or if Ewers fails to show the growth needed to lead the team, the Longhorns may have to turn to their future star. Regardless of what happens, the quarterback position at Texas is set to be a thrilling storyline for the next few years, and Ewers will need to bring his best to stay at the top of the depth chart.