As the college football season enters its final stretch, the Texas Longhorns find themselves navigating an increasingly complex quarterback situation. Despite a successful season under Quinn Ewers, the narrative surrounding freshman phenom Arch Manning taking over as the starter continues to dominate conversations in Austin.
With Week 13 upon us and the stakes higher than ever, head coach Steve Sarkisian faces the delicate task of managing not only his quarterback room but also the external pressure surrounding the future of one of the most coveted recruits in college football history.
Quinn Ewers began the 2023 season as Texas’s undisputed starter, living up to the promise he showed as a top-ranked recruit out of high school. His performance has been a key factor in the Longhorns’ position as a College Football Playoff contender, highlighted by a road victory over Alabama in Week 2.
Ewers’ efficiency in Sarkisian’s offense has been impressive. Entering Week 13, he has completed 66% of his passes for over 2,800 yards and 22 touchdowns against just six interceptions. His ability to stretch the field vertically while making smart decisions in critical moments has been a stabilizing force for Texas throughout the season.
However, Ewers suffered a shoulder injury in late October, forcing him to miss time and opening the door for Manning and redshirt freshman Maalik Murphy to see game action. While Ewers returned to the field two weeks ago, the buzz around Manning has only grown louder, leaving many to question whether Sarkisian might make a bold move at quarterback as the postseason looms.
Arch Manning arrived in Austin as one of the most hyped recruits in college football history, carrying the weight of his famous last name and a five-star ranking. The nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch was expected to spend his freshman season developing behind Ewers.
However, Manning’s brief appearances this season have showcased his immense potential. In limited snaps, the 6’4” freshman has demonstrated poise, a strong arm, and the athleticism to extend plays. Though his sample size is small, the glimpses of his talent have fueled speculation about his readiness to take over as Texas’s starting quarterback.
The Longhorn faithful, eager to see the next chapter in Manning’s storied football lineage, have clamored for Sarkisian to give the freshman more opportunities. This sentiment has only grown as the season progresses, with fans and analysts alike questioning whether Manning’s upside might provide a spark that could elevate Texas from a playoff contender to a legitimate national title threat.
For Sarkisian, the decision is anything but simple. On one hand, Ewers has earned the right to lead the Longhorns through his consistent play and leadership. Replacing him could disrupt the chemistry of an offense that has been one of the most balanced in the nation.
On the other hand, Manning represents the program’s future, and many believe his talent is too great to keep on the sideline. With Texas transitioning to the SEC next season, some argue that giving Manning valuable experience now could set the stage for a smoother adjustment to the tougher competition ahead.
Sarkisian has repeatedly deflected questions about a potential quarterback change, emphasizing his confidence in Ewers while also praising Manning’s growth.
“We’re really fortunate to have a quarterback room with incredible talent and depth,” Sarkisian said during a recent press conference. “Quinn has done an excellent job leading our team, and Arch is developing exactly how we envisioned. We’ll always make decisions based on what’s best for the team.”
Texas enters Week 13 with a chance to secure a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game and potentially strengthen its case for a College Football Playoff berth. The Longhorns face a formidable opponent in Texas Tech, and the pressure to deliver is immense.
For now, Ewers is expected to start, but any struggles or injuries could open the door for Manning to step in during a critical moment. A strong performance from Ewers would likely solidify his role heading into the postseason, but a breakout game from Manning could shift the dynamic heading into 2024.
Regardless of how the quarterback situation unfolds in Week 13, the competition between Ewers and Manning highlights the embarrassment of riches Texas has at the position. It’s a good problem to have, but managing expectations and egos will be crucial for Sarkisian as he navigates the final stages of the season.
For now, the Longhorns remain focused on their immediate goals: winning the Big 12 title and securing a playoff spot. But the shadow of Arch Manning looms large, ensuring that the quarterback debate will persist well beyond this season.
As Texas prepares for its pivotal matchup with Texas Tech, one thing is certain: the Longhorns’ quarterback narrative is far from settled, and its resolution could define the program’s trajectory for years to come.