Kiper Jr. Suggests Quinn Ewers Should Transfer if Draft Grade Stagnates: The Rise of Arch Manning and Its Implications
Quinn Ewers, the Texas Longhorns’ starting quarterback and one of the most highly touted recruits in recent memory, has found himself at the center of swirling speculation. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. recently suggested that if Ewers’ NFL draft grade does not improve after the 2024 season, he should seriously consider transferring to another program. The remarks came amid growing anticipation that Arch Manning, the freshman phenom from the famed Manning football dynasty, could assume the starting quarterback role for Texas next season.
During a recent discussion, Kiper highlighted the precarious situation Ewers might face at Texas. While Ewers has shown flashes of brilliance during his time as the Longhorns’ starter, his consistency and development remain topics of debate among analysts and scouts.
“Arch Manning is going to be the quarterback at Texas next year,” Kiper stated confidently. “So if you want to play college football, you probably have to move on somewhere.”
This bold prediction not only hints at Manning’s inevitable ascent but also underscores the pressure Ewers faces to prove himself worthy of staying at the helm. For a player once labeled as a generational talent, the prospect of being displaced by Manning raises significant questions about his future at Texas—and in college football as a whole.
Quinn Ewers entered the college football scene with sky-high expectations as a five-star recruit. After a brief stint at Ohio State, he transferred to Texas to fulfill his dream of leading the Longhorns back to national prominence. In his first full season as the starter, Ewers showcased his elite arm talent and ability to make big plays, helping Texas contend for a Big 12 title. However, injuries and inconsistent performances left scouts wanting more.
As the 2024 draft looms, Ewers’ current projection places him as a mid-to-late-round prospect—a far cry from the first-round expectations once attached to his name. If his draft stock remains stagnant, Ewers could face a crossroads: declare for the NFL draft with limited appeal or transfer to another school to bolster his resume and regain the attention of scouts.
Arch Manning’s presence at Texas adds a layer of complexity to Ewers’ decision. The nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch arrived in Austin with immense hype as the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 class. While he sat behind Ewers for most of the 2023 season, the consensus is that Manning is Texas’ quarterback of the future.
If Manning earns the starting role in 2024, Ewers could find himself relegated to the bench—a scenario that would almost certainly prompt a transfer. For a player with aspirations of being an NFL starter, sitting behind Manning would do little to enhance Ewers’ draft stock.
If Ewers chooses to transfer, he would immediately become one of the most sought-after players in the portal. Programs with quarterback needs, particularly those in Power Five conferences, would likely line up to secure his services. Schools like Florida, Ole Miss, or even his former program, Ohio State, could provide opportunities for Ewers to revive his career.
Ewers’ familiarity with high-pressure environments and his natural talent make him an appealing option for any team looking for a quarterback who can make an immediate impact.
For Texas, the emergence of Arch Manning signifies the continuation of their efforts to return to the national spotlight. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has built a competitive program with high expectations, and Manning’s rise could symbolize the dawn of a new era for the Longhorns. However, the potential departure of Ewers would leave the team with fewer options for depth at the quarterback position.
Kiper’s suggestion highlights the increasingly transactional nature of college football in the transfer portal era. High-profile quarterbacks like Ewers are no longer bound by the traditional three-year college path; instead, they have the freedom to find opportunities that best align with their career goals.
For Ewers, the next year will be pivotal. Whether he solidifies his role as Texas’ starter or chooses to transfer, his decision will carry significant implications for his NFL aspirations and the trajectory of his college career.
Quinn Ewers’ future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the clock is ticking. With Arch Manning waiting in the wings and NFL scouts eager to see more, Ewers must use the 2024 season to either solidify his place at Texas or position himself for a fresh start elsewhere. As the drama unfolds, the Longhorns will be at the center of one of the most intriguing storylines in college football.