Paul Finebaum Has Blunt Take on Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning Ahead of Texas’ Playoff Run
As Texas prepares for its first College Football Playoff appearance under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns are faced with a high-stakes quarterback situation that has captured national attention. With starter Quinn Ewers returning to form after an injury-plagued season and highly-touted freshman Arch Manning waiting in the wings, the drama surrounding the team has become a major talking point. ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum, never one to shy away from a bold opinion, recently weighed in on the quarterback dynamic, offering a blunt assessment of the situation and what it could mean for Texas’ playoff aspirations
Finebaum started by acknowledging the importance of Quinn Ewers, the sophomore quarterback who has led the Longhorns to an impressive season. Despite missing time with a shoulder injury, Ewers has been instrumental in Texas’ success, showcasing his arm strength, poise under pressure, and improved decision-making compared to his freshman year.
“Quinn Ewers is the guy for Texas right now,” Finebaum stated during a segment on The Paul Finebaum Show. “He’s the quarterback who got them here, and he’s the quarterback who gives them the best chance to win in the playoffs. It’s that simple. Arch Manning might be the future of Texas football, but Ewers is the present.”
Ewers, who transferred to Texas from Ohio State, entered the season with high expectations, and he has largely delivered. He threw for over 3,000 yards and 22 touchdowns in the regular season, leading the Longhorns to a Big 12 championship and the program’s first playoff berth. However, his midseason shoulder injury raised concerns, and while his return to action has been solid, questions remain about his ability to handle the heightened pressure of the postseason.
Finebaum emphasized that Ewers’ experience is a crucial factor heading into the playoffs. “When you’re facing teams like Michigan, Alabama, or Georgia, experience matters. Ewers has been in big games. He’s been tested. Arch hasn’t. And that’s why Sarkisian has to stick with Ewers unless something drastic happens.
Despite Finebaum’s confidence in Ewers, the presence of Arch Manning looms large. The nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch entered Texas as the most hyped high school recruit in years. His pedigree, combined with his performance in limited action this season, has led some fans to wonder if he could be the spark Texas needs in the playoffs.
Finebaum, however, cautioned against throwing Manning into the fire too soon. “Look, Arch Manning is going to be great, but now is not his time,” Finebaum said. “You don’t mess with the chemistry of a playoff-bound team. Manning’s day will come, but you don’t throw a freshman into the College Football Playoff unless you have no other choice.”
Manning’s freshman season has been one of growth and adjustment. While he has seen some playing time in blowout wins, he has yet to face the pressure of a high-stakes game. Finebaum believes that rushing Manning into a starting role now could do more harm than good, both for the team and for the young quarterback’s development.
Steve Sarkisian has a delicate task ahead of him. On one hand, he must ensure that Ewers is fully prepared to lead the Longhorns through the playoff gauntlet. On the other hand, he needs to keep Manning engaged and ready, knowing that football can be unpredictable and injuries or poor performances can force a quick change.
Finebaum praised Sarkisian for how he has managed the quarterback situation thus far but warned that the playoff spotlight will bring added scrutiny. “Sarkisian has done a great job balancing the future and the present, but this is where it gets real,” Finebaum said. “Every decision he makes in the playoffs will be under a microscope, and how he handles Ewers and Manning could define his tenure at Texas.
For Texas, the quarterback storyline is just one piece of a larger puzzle. The Longhorns enter the playoff as a legitimate title contender, boasting a strong defense, a dynamic receiving corps, and a balanced rushing attack. While the quarterback position will undoubtedly draw the most attention, Finebaum stressed that Texas’ success will depend on a complete team effort.
“Quinn Ewers can’t do it alone, and neither can Arch Manning,” Finebaum concluded. “Texas needs to play complementary football to have a shot at winning it all. If they do that, this could be the start of something special in Austin.
As Texas gears up for its playoff run, the debate over Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning will likely continue to dominate headlines. Finebaum’s take is clear: stick with the quarterback who brought you to the dance. But with a program as high-profile as Texas and a quarterback room as talented as this one, the conversation is far from over. Regardless of how the playoffs unfold, the decisions made over the next few weeks will shape the trajectory of Texas football for years to come.