‘We’re rolling with Quinn Ewers,’ Steve Sarkisian says, cutting off Arch Manning’s speech.

As the Texas Longhorns prepare for a pivotal season, one of the most talked-about storylines has been the future of the quarterback position. With Arch Manning, the highly-anticipated five-star recruit, joining the Longhorns in 2023, the Texas fanbase has been abuzz with speculation about when, not if, Manning would take over as the starting quarterback. However, head coach Steve Sarkisian made it clear in a press conference that for the 2024 season, the Longhorns are firmly “rolling with Quinn Ewers” as their starting quarterback.

Sarkisian’s comments came as a direct response to growing questions about Manning’s development and potential for starting in the upcoming season. While Manning’s arrival in Austin generated massive media attention and excitement, Sarkisian remained resolute in his decision to stick with Ewers, who has been the team’s starter since 2022. This decision is pivotal not only for the team’s future but also for the trajectory of both Ewers and Manning’s careers at Texas.

In a world where quarterback controversies often dominate the headlines, Sarkisian’s commitment to Ewers highlights his philosophy on team building, leadership, and the development of his players. It also provides insight into the pressure and expectations surrounding both quarterbacks, as they seek to guide the Longhorns to greater success in the competitive Big 12 and beyond.

The Ewers-Manning Debate

The debate between Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning has been brewing ever since Manning committed to Texas in 2023. Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, was regarded as one of the most highly coveted high school quarterbacks in recent memory. His pedigree and immense potential quickly made him a household name before he even stepped foot on campus. Texas fans, in particular, have been eagerly awaiting his arrival, hoping that Manning would be the one to lead the Longhorns back to prominence.

However, Ewers, who transferred to Texas from Ohio State in 2021, had already established himself as the team’s starter. Ewers showed flashes of brilliance during the 2022 season, but he also experienced growing pains as a young quarterback. Despite these struggles, Ewers’ potential was undeniable. His ability to make deep throws and show poise in critical situations gave fans hope that he could be the player to lead Texas into the future.

In 2023, Ewers continued to develop as the starter, leading Texas to a successful season in which they made significant strides in the Big 12 and earned a spot in a major bowl game. While Ewers’ performance was not flawless, he showcased the maturity and growth that were necessary to guide the Longhorns through an intense season.

Meanwhile, Manning’s presence at Texas created a natural sense of anticipation. Given his family background and the hype surrounding his recruitment, many believed that it was only a matter of time before Manning would take over as the starting quarterback. The fact that Manning was considered the No. 1 overall recruit by many scouting services only added fuel to the fire.

As the 2024 season approached, questions about the starting quarterback position began to intensify. Would Sarkisian stick with Ewers, who had experience and had shown promise? Or would he hand the reins to Manning, the talented newcomer with sky-high expectations? The speculation reached a fever pitch, especially as Texas fans and the media started looking for signs that Manning might take over sooner rather than later.

Sarkisian’s Commitment to Ewers

Amidst the swirling rumors and the constant media focus on Manning, Steve Sarkisian made his stance clear in an interview. He firmly reiterated that the starting quarterback position was Ewers’ job to lose. Sarkisian emphasized that while Manning is a promising young talent with a bright future at Texas, Ewers’ experience and leadership were crucial for the team heading into 2024.

“We’re rolling with Quinn Ewers,” Sarkisian stated confidently. “He’s the starting quarterback. We’ve had a plan in place for his development, and he’s ready to take this team to the next level.”

Sarkisian’s comments were met with a mixture of support and criticism, as fans and analysts dissected the decision. Some lauded Sarkisian for his decisiveness and his faith in Ewers, while others questioned whether Texas was truly maximizing its potential by sticking with a quarterback who had shown inconsistency at times.

However, Sarkisian’s focus was on creating a winning environment. “It’s about putting the best team on the field,” he explained. “Quinn has earned the right to be the guy this season. We’ve seen growth from him, and now it’s about continuing that progress.”

The Philosophy Behind the Decision

Sarkisian’s decision to stay with Ewers for the 2024 season reflects his broader philosophy on quarterback development and team dynamics. For Sarkisian, the most important factors in choosing a starting quarterback are not just talent and potential, but also leadership, work ethic, and the ability to execute within the system. While Manning’s pedigree is impressive, Sarkisian has made it clear that he values experience, particularly at the quarterback position, and Ewers has that in abundance.

In his time at Texas, Sarkisian has built a reputation for developing quarterbacks and maximizing their potential. His work with quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts at Alabama and Sam Darnold at USC is well-documented, and Sarkisian has become known for his ability to tailor offenses around the unique strengths of his quarterbacks. For Ewers, this means continuing to refine his skills, especially in areas like decision-making, consistency, and leadership.

Sarkisian’s trust in Ewers also speaks to the long-term development of the program. He has consistently preached the importance of creating a stable and cohesive team environment, where players understand their roles and are given the opportunity to grow. While Manning’s time at Texas will undoubtedly come, Sarkisian believes that Ewers is the player who can guide the Longhorns to the success they need in the immediate future.

“You don’t just hand over the job to someone because of their last name or how much hype they have,” Sarkisian said. “You hand it over to the person who has earned it. Quinn has worked hard for this moment, and he’s ready for it.”

Ewers’ Development and the Road Ahead

For Quinn Ewers, Sarkisian’s commitment to him as the starting quarterback is both a challenge and an opportunity. Ewers has proven himself to be a talented player, but he has also faced criticism for moments of inconsistency. In 2023, Ewers showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in big wins against top-ranked opponents, but he also struggled in games where the pressure was high. For Texas to contend for a Big 12 title and a potential College Football Playoff spot in 2024, Ewers will need to elevate his game and become the reliable leader the team needs.

Ewers’ development in the 2024 offseason has been encouraging. Reports from Texas’ spring practices indicated that he had made significant strides in his accuracy and decision-making. Ewers has also worked on improving his leadership skills, building stronger relationships with his receivers and making sure that his chemistry with them is on point. Sarkisian’s decision to stick with Ewers shows a level of faith in his ability to take the next step and lead Texas to new heights.

“I’m excited for the challenge,” Ewers said after Sarkisian’s comments. “I’ve been working my tail off all offseason to get better, and I’m ready to take this team where we need to go. I know I have the trust of my coaches and my teammates, and I’m going to give everything I have for this program.”

Arch Manning’s Path to Starting

While Sarkisian’s comments solidified Ewers’ status as the 2024 starter, they also set the stage for Arch Manning’s eventual ascension. Manning, who has spent his first year at Texas learning the ropes and adapting to the college game, is widely regarded as one of the most gifted quarterbacks in the country. His time at Texas will come, but Sarkisian has been careful not to rush the process.

For Manning, the path to the starting role will require patience and development. While his talent is undeniable, college football is a tough and unforgiving environment. Manning will need time to adjust to the speed of the game, develop his leadership skills, and fully immerse himself in the offensive system that Sarkisian runs. The plan is for Manning to continue growing, with an eye toward him eventually taking over as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback in the near future.

“I’m focused on getting better every day,” Manning said. “I’m learning a lot from Quinn, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with him and the coaching staff. I know that my time will come, but right now, it’s about getting better and being ready when the moment arrives.”