In a stunning turn of events, Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian has reignited the quarterback conversation, sending ripples through the college football world. During a recent press conference, Sarkisian confirmed that Quinn Ewers, the Longhorns’ current starting quarterback, plans to return for the 2025 season. This revelation has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the highly anticipated rise of freshman phenom Arch Manning, who many believed was destined to take the reins in the near future.
The Ewers Effect
Quinn Ewers, a former five-star recruit and one of the most sought-after high school quarterbacks in recent memory, has enjoyed a strong season under center for the Longhorns. His leadership and ability to deliver in clutch moments have solidified his position as Texas’ top quarterback. Despite whispers that he might declare for the NFL Draft after this season, Sarkisian’s announcement confirmed that Ewers is committed to another year in Austin.
“We’re thrilled with what Quinn has done for this program, and his decision to return is a testament to his belief in what we’re building here,” Sarkisian said. “It also speaks volumes about the culture we’re creating and the talent we have on this roster.”
While Ewers’ return is undoubtedly a boost for Texas’ aspirations in 2025, it creates a significant conundrum for the team’s quarterback depth chart—most notably for Arch Manning.
Arch Manning: The Heir Apparent?
Arch Manning arrived in Austin as one of the most hyped recruits in college football history. The nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch brought with him not only a famous name but also immense expectations. Many saw him as the inevitable successor to Ewers, ready to lead the Longhorns into their SEC era.
However, Ewers’ decision to stay complicates this timeline. Manning, who is currently redshirting, now faces the prospect of sitting behind Ewers for yet another season, delaying his path to becoming the starter. This delay could impact his development, visibility, and potentially his NFL draft stock.
“Manning is a generational talent, but even the best quarterbacks need game reps to grow,” said a college football analyst. “If Ewers sticks around, Manning’s window to showcase his skills at Texas could shrink significantly.”
Portal Possibilities
In the modern era of college football, the transfer portal looms large over any quarterback controversy. Manning’s decision to commit to Texas was seen as a major win for Sarkisian, but the prolonged wait for playing time could test his patience. While there’s no indication yet that Manning is considering leaving, the situation raises questions about whether Texas can afford to keep both elite talents on the roster without creating tension.
“Player retention has become one of the toughest challenges for any program with multiple high-level quarterbacks,” said a recruiting insider. “If Manning feels his future is being sidelined, he’ll have plenty of suitors offering an immediate starting role.”
What This Means for Texas Football
Sarkisian now finds himself in the precarious position of managing two elite quarterbacks while maintaining team harmony. The Longhorns’ offensive success under Ewers has been evident, but the potential of Manning remains an enticing prospect for fans and boosters alike. Striking the right balance between the two will be critical for the program’s continued success.
“We’ve got a good problem on our hands,” Sarkisian said. “Both of these guys are incredibly talented, and we’re committed to putting the best team on the field. It’s not about one player—it’s about what’s best for Texas football.”
Looking Ahead
The implications of Ewers’ return extend beyond the quarterback room. Texas’ 2025 season will mark their debut in the SEC, where the competition level will escalate significantly. Sarkisian’s decision to ride with Ewers could reflect his desire for stability and experience in what promises to be a challenging new chapter for the program.
As for Arch Manning, his future with the Longhorns remains uncertain. Will he stay patient and wait for his turn, or will he explore other opportunities to showcase his talents elsewhere? One thing is certain: the quarterback situation in Austin will be one of the most closely watched storylines in college football in the coming months.
The Longhorns, with an embarrassment of riches at the quarterback position, now face the challenge of ensuring their golden prospect doesn’t slip through their fingers.
