Arch Manning is ‘Favoured’ to Start the College Football Playoff; Texas Has ‘No Shot’ to Win with Quinn Ewers

As college football heats up and the postseason approaches, the Texas Longhorns find themselves in a pivotal moment in their program’s history. One of the most talked-about storylines of the season has been the ongoing quarterback battle between Quinn Ewers, the highly touted junior, and Arch Manning, the freshman sensation. Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, has been the subject of intense scrutiny since his arrival in Austin. With the Longhorns securing a spot in the 2024 College Football Playoff (CFP), there is increasing speculation that Arch Manning might be the key to Texas’ hopes of making a deep run in the postseason.

Manning’s rise to prominence has been rapid, with many experts and insiders increasingly viewing him as the player who could propel Texas to the next level. However, the debate rages on regarding whether Quinn Ewers, a player with considerable experience and talent, can lead Texas to a national title, or if the Longhorns would have a better shot at securing a championship with Manning under center. Despite Ewers’ potential and flashes of brilliance this season, many believe that Texas is outmatched in the postseason with him as their starter.

The Battle Between Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning

The competition for the starting quarterback position at Texas has been well-documented. Quinn Ewers, a former 5-star recruit and transfer from Ohio State, entered the 2024 season with high expectations. After a solid sophomore campaign, Ewers seemed poised to take the next step in his development and lead the Longhorns to an appearance in the CFP. His arm strength, deep-ball accuracy, and overall athleticism have made him one of the more intriguing quarterbacks in college football. However, inconsistency and struggles with decision-making and accuracy at times have raised concerns about his ability to guide Texas through the most challenging games.

Arch Manning, on the other hand, was one of the most hyped recruits in recent memory. With his famous last name, Manning quickly became the center of attention as soon as he committed to Texas in 2023. As a freshman, Manning’s performance in practice and in limited action during the regular season has been impressive. While still adjusting to the speed of college football, Manning’s poise, intelligence, and accuracy on the field have drawn rave reviews from coaches, teammates, and analysts alike.

At the beginning of the season, there were many who believed that Ewers would continue to hold onto the starting role, given his experience and past success. However, Manning’s rapid development and potential have caused many to wonder if he should be the player Texas turns to in the postseason. Some insiders and experts have already indicated that Manning is the “favored” option to start in the CFP, citing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations and his overall fit in the Longhorns’ system.

Why Arch Manning Might Be Favored to Start the College Football Playoff

Arch Manning’s pedigree and talent are undeniable. His high school career at Isidore Newman in New Orleans showcased his ability to lead a team to success against some of the best competition in the country. Manning’s football IQ is often praised as one of his strongest attributes. He reads defenses quickly and is able to adjust his decision-making on the fly. His calm demeanor under pressure and leadership skills make him an ideal candidate to lead a team in the high-stakes environment of the College Football Playoff.

Moreover, Manning’s arm strength and accuracy are on par with the best quarterbacks in college football. His ability to make all the throws, both short and deep, has caught the attention of Texas coaches. While Ewers is certainly capable of making big throws, Manning’s ball placement and ability to deliver throws in tight windows could provide Texas with a more consistent and accurate attack.

In terms of mental and emotional maturity, Manning has shown a level of composure that belies his age. Many freshman quarterbacks struggle with the speed of the game and the pressure of big moments, but Manning has impressed with his ability to stay level-headed. The College Football Playoff, with its intense media scrutiny and high expectations, could be the perfect stage for Manning to showcase his abilities.

From a tactical standpoint, Manning also fits well into Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian’s offensive system. Sarkisian is known for his ability to design creative, explosive offenses that take advantage of a quarterback’s strengths. Manning’s adaptability and football IQ allow him to execute Sarkisian’s schemes effectively. His ability to read defenses and quickly process information will allow him to make quick decisions, even when faced with the pressure of a playoff game.

While Quinn Ewers has shown flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency and struggles with turnovers have raised questions about whether he can deliver in the highest-stakes games. Texas has the potential to go far in the playoff, but many believe that in order to maximize their chances, they need a quarterback who can consistently execute at a high level. In the eyes of many experts, that quarterback is Arch Manning.

The Case for Quinn Ewers: Why Texas Might Still Back Their Veteran Quarterback

Despite the growing buzz around Arch Manning, Quinn Ewers still has significant support among Texas coaches and fans. Ewers brings a wealth of experience to the table. Having started multiple seasons at the collegiate level, Ewers has faced tough competition and has played in several high-pressure games, giving him a level of experience that Manning does not yet possess. For a team making a run in the College Football Playoff, experience at quarterback is often invaluable, especially when facing teams with elite defenses and rosters.

Ewers’ raw physical tools are impressive, and at his best, he has the ability to take over games with his arm strength and playmaking ability. His deep ball, in particular, is one of his standout skills, and when he is on, Ewers can pick apart defenses with precision passes. His ability to throw the ball downfield, combined with the dynamic weapons at Texas’ disposal in the receiving corps, can create explosive plays and put immense pressure on opposing defenses. This has the potential to make Texas’ offense one of the most dangerous in the country.

Furthermore, Ewers’ leadership qualities cannot be overlooked. Despite some struggles on the field, he has shown the ability to bounce back from adversity. His teammates have repeatedly praised his resilience, work ethic, and commitment to improving. These qualities will be crucial in the high-stakes environment of the College Football Playoff, where mistakes can be magnified, and the pressure to perform is intense.

Additionally, there is a question of continuity and stability. The College Football Playoff is not the time for experimentation with an unproven freshman, especially when you have a talented veteran quarterback who has been through the grind of a full season. Many believe that Texas is more likely to make a deep playoff run with Ewers leading the charge, especially given his experience and the chemistry he has built with his teammates throughout the season.

Why Some Experts Say Texas Has ‘No Shot’ to Win with Ewers

Despite the optimism surrounding Ewers’ potential, there is a growing chorus of analysts who believe that Texas has little chance of winning the national title with him as their starting quarterback. While Ewers certainly has the physical tools, his inconsistency has been a major point of concern for many who follow college football closely.

Throughout the 2024 season, Ewers has shown flashes of brilliance but has also been prone to costly mistakes. His decision-making has been questioned, especially when faced with pressure situations. In big games against top-tier teams, Ewers has occasionally struggled to maintain composure and execute the offense efficiently. This has led to turnovers and missed opportunities, and in a College Football Playoff game against elite defenses, those mistakes could be the difference between winning and losing.

Texas is undoubtedly a talented team, but they will face formidable opponents in the Playoff. The defense of teams like Georgia, Alabama, or Ohio State will present unique challenges for Ewers. His ability to read defenses quickly and adjust to the speed of the game will be tested at an even higher level in the postseason.

Given the expectations placed on Texas this year, some experts argue that Ewers might not be able to take the Longhorns all the way to the national title. His tendency to be prone to streaky play could make it difficult for Texas to remain consistently competitive against the best teams in college football. For a team that has aspirations of winning a national championship, this level of inconsistency is concerning.

Looking Ahead: What Texas’ Playoff Hopes Really Depend On

With the College Football Playoff set to begin soon, Texas’ chances of success ultimately rest on the performance of their quarterback, whether it’s Ewers or Manning. Arch Manning, as the favored choice to start, could provide Texas with the stability and poise needed to excel in the postseason. If Manning continues to develop and can execute the offense with precision, the Longhorns’ title aspirations are very much alive.

However, Texas’ hopes of winning the national championship will not be determined by just one player. The team as a whole must execute at a high level, from the offensive line to the defense, and Sarkisian must have his offense firing on all cylinders. With the weapons Texas possesses and the talent on both sides of the ball, the Longhorns are as dangerous as any team in the country.

In the end, whether or not Texas can win the College Football Playoff with Ewers or Manning as their quarterback remains to be seen. What is clear is that the decision at quarterback will play a major role in shaping Texas’ future and determining how far they can go in the postseason.