Arch Manning poised to take over as Longhorns starter after Quinn Ewers’ struggles
With the 2024 season underway, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers finds himself in an increasingly precarious position. Once heralded as a potential Heisman Trophy contender, Ewers’ performances have raised concerns as his consistency falters, opening the door for one of college football’s most anticipated prospects: Arch Manning.
The calls for a change under center have grown louder in Austin. Manning, who has been on the radar since his recruitment due to his famous lineage and undeniable talent, has made the most of his appearances. In limited action this season, he’s showcased impressive poise, boasting a 67.8% completion rate, amassing 939 passing yards, and tallying nine touchdowns against just two interceptions. His performances have only amplified the questions surrounding Ewers’ current status.
A pivotal moment came during Texas‘ high-stakes clash with Georgia earlier in the season. Manning stepped in to close the first half, demonstrating flashes of why many fans believe he could lead the team more effectively. Although Ewers returned for the second half and delivered a better performance, the Longhorns still succumbed to a 30-15 defeat. The moment added fuel to the debate over whether a shift at quarterback was imminent.
Ewers has had moments that hint at his potential, such as his back-to-back strong showings against Vanderbilt and Florida, where he completed over 70% of his passes and notably threw for 333 yards and five touchdowns in the latter matchup. However, this resurgence has done little to silence the skeptics who argue that Manning brings an effortless dynamism to the offense that Ewers has yet to match.
Last weekend, during Texas‘ battle against Arkansas, the Longhorns led 10-0 at halftime. Ewers’ stat line-15 completions on 23 attempts for 100 yards and an interception-told the story of a quarterback struggling to find rhythm. While his numbers were serviceable, fans couldn’t ignore how the offense appeared to stall at critical moments, particularly after Ewers took several avoidable sacks.
Critiques of Ewers have been growing
Critiques of Ewers’ pocket awareness have been relentless, with many pointing to his hesitancy and lack of sharp decision-making as factors hindering the Longhorns’ high-powered receiving corps from making an impact. Meanwhile, Manning‘s brief but electrifying outings have only underscored the difference in their playing styles.
With Texas eyeing a potential spot in the College Football Playoff, head coach Steve Sarkisian faces a dilemma. Would shifting to sophomore Arch Manning at this stage provide the spark needed to propel the Longhorns through a grueling finish to the season? It’s a decision fraught with risk, especially considering Ewers’ experience. But as the pressure mounts, Sarkisian may soon have to make a choice that could define the remainder of Texas’ campaign.
For now, Ewers remains the starter, but his margin for error is shrinking. The coming weeks will test whether he can find the form that once made him a top contender or if the allure of Manning’s potential will be too strong to resist.
