Steve Sarkisian Discusses His Choice to Bench Quinn Ewers for Arch Manning

Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the University of Texas Longhorns, made a significant decision during the 2024 season when he chose to bench starting quarterback Quinn Ewers in favor of freshman Arch Manning. This move sparked a lot of discussion in college football circles, given the expectations surrounding both quarterbacks and the Longhorns’ pursuit of a playoff spot. Sarkisian’s decision was not only a testament to his leadership and coaching philosophy but also reflected the pressures and dynamics that come with managing a college football program at the highest level.

The Background of the Decision

Quinn Ewers, a former 5-star recruit, had been the starting quarterback for Texas since the 2022 season, after transferring from Ohio State. His talent was never in question. Ewers displayed flashes of brilliance, including a strong start to the 2023 season before injury issues and inconsistency began to plague his performances. The Longhorns finished the season on a positive note, with Ewers showcasing his ability to make deep throws and lead the offense effectively at times. However, there were concerns about his consistency, especially in big games against tough opponents.

In contrast, Arch Manning, the highly-touted recruit from New Orleans, was considered one of the most exciting quarterback prospects in recent memory. Manning was a five-star recruit in the 2023 class and was the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning. His pedigree, combined with his strong arm and football IQ, made him an immediate focal point for Texas fans and analysts alike. Despite the hype, many expected Manning to take time to adjust to college football, especially given the level of competition in the Big 12.

However, the 2024 season presented a different set of circumstances. Texas, as a program, had grown increasingly impatient for sustained success, especially with their move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) on the horizon. There was a palpable sense that Texas needed to make a serious run at the College Football Playoff, and the quarterback position was critical to achieving that goal. Ewers’ struggles in some key games, paired with Manning’s steady development, created the conditions for a potential quarterback change.

Sarkisian’s Leadership Philosophy

Steve Sarkisian’s decision was not merely about choosing between two quarterbacks based on their talent. Sarkisian has always prided himself on creating an environment where players can grow, compete, and earn their roles. His offense is complex and demands not only physical skill but also mental acuity. Sarkisian is known for tailoring his offensive schemes to suit the strengths of his players, and part of his decision-making process was assessing which quarterback was most prepared to execute his game plans under pressure.

Sarkisian’s coaching history includes stints at USC, Washington, and Alabama, where he was part of one of the most successful college football programs in history. His tenure at Alabama, under Nick Saban, provided him with the experience of managing high-level talent and navigating the pressures of being at the helm of a top-tier program. It also helped him understand that making bold decisions was sometimes necessary for the greater good of the team. The decision to bench a quarterback with the talent of Quinn Ewers was not made lightly, but it was done with the understanding that the program’s long-term success depended on getting the most out of every position.

The Bench Decision

In making the decision to bench Ewers in favor of Manning, Sarkisian had several factors to consider. First and foremost was the performance of Ewers during the season. While he had his moments of brilliance, there were games where he seemed out of sync with the offense, particularly in high-pressure situations. His inconsistency in the pocket and struggles with decision-making led to some turnovers and missed opportunities. These issues became more pronounced as the Longhorns approached critical matchups with playoff implications.

On the other hand, Arch Manning’s development had been more encouraging than expected. While he was a freshman, Manning had a calm demeanor and showed poise in his limited appearances. His ability to read defenses and deliver the ball with precision impressed Sarkisian and the coaching staff. Additionally, Manning’s physical tools—his size, arm strength, and accuracy—were all attributes that made him a strong contender for the starting role. Manning had quickly absorbed the playbook and proved to be a fast learner, and his performances in practice had caught the attention of coaches and teammates alike.

Sarkisian’s decision also took into account the larger picture of Texas football’s future. The Longhorns were not just competing for a Big 12 title; they were preparing for their entry into the SEC, where competition would be tougher than ever. Sarkisian needed a quarterback who could lead the program into this new chapter and handle the intense pressure of competing against SEC powerhouses. Manning, despite being a freshman, represented the future of the program and had the potential to handle that pressure with poise.

Moreover, Sarkisian’s decision was not a rejection of Ewers’ talent or character. Instead, it was a recognition that the team needed a spark—something to reinvigorate the offense and take it to the next level. Ewers was a competitor, and his leadership was never in question, but at that point in the season, Texas needed a new direction at quarterback to maximize its potential.

The Impact on the Team

The decision to make such a significant change at quarterback had immediate consequences on the Texas football team. Quarterbacks are often seen as the leaders of the offense, and the starting quarterback is usually the face of the program. The switch from Ewers to Manning sent a strong message to the team about Sarkisian’s commitment to doing what was best for the team, even if it meant making a difficult decision.

For Ewers, the decision was undoubtedly a blow to his confidence and ego. As a highly recruited player with high expectations, being benched after a season full of ups and downs was tough. However, Sarkisian made it clear to Ewers that he was still a part of the team and that the competition was open. Ewers would have to work harder to earn back the starting spot, but that process was seen as part of the journey in a program where no player was guaranteed a job, regardless of their pedigree.

For Manning, the decision was both an opportunity and a challenge. As a freshman, getting the starting job so early in his career was rare, and it placed immense pressure on him to live up to the immense expectations surrounding his name. Manning, however, had been raised in a football family and was used to dealing with pressure. His poise on the field and ability to lead the team, even at such a young age, allowed him to rise to the occasion. The Longhorns rallied behind him, and Manning’s performance gave the team a renewed sense of optimism heading into the latter half of the season.

The Aftermath of the Decision

In the weeks that followed the decision, Texas’ offense showed signs of improvement. Manning’s ability to execute Sarkisian’s offense—particularly in the passing game—was evident. While he made some rookie mistakes, his growth was visible week after week. He was able to connect with a talented receiving corps, including stars like Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington, and his decision-making was generally sound. Manning brought an element of stability to the offense, something the Longhorns had been lacking with Ewers.

Sarkisian’s gamble appeared to pay off as Texas secured important wins, putting them in position to contend for a playoff spot. Manning’s leadership and the team’s improved offensive performance were key factors in their rise in the rankings. At the same time, Ewers remained supportive of his teammates and showed leadership qualities even from the sidelines, which demonstrated his maturity and understanding of the team-first mentality that Sarkisian instilled.