Texas is gearing up for a monumental challenge as they enter the College Football Playoff semifinals. The Longhorns, fresh off a nail-biting 39-31 victory over Arizona State that required two overtime periods, are now set to face the eighth-seeded Ohio State Buckeyes on Friday night. This matchup promises to be their toughest yet, with both teams vying for a coveted spot in the National Championship.
Who is Texas’ starting quarterback?
At the helm of the Longhorns’ offense is Quinn Ewers, the starting quarterback. Ewers, who previously spent his freshman year at Ohio State before transferring to Texas, has a unique opportunity for revenge in this upcoming game. Now in his third year as a starter, he has demonstrated the skills that earned him a five-star recruit status. With just two more wins, Ewers could lead Texas to its first National Championship since 2005.
Despite the buzz surrounding Ewers, there’s speculation about his future. While many anticipate that he will enter the NFL draft after the season concludes, he has yet to make an official announcement. This uncertainty adds an intriguing layer to the Longhorns’ playoff journey.
Texas QB depth chart
The Longhorns’ quarterback depth chart is straightforward but filled with potential.
| QB | Player |
| 1 | Quinn Ewers |
| 2 | Arch Manning |
| 3 | Trey Owens |
Ewers has had an impressive season, racking up 3,189 passing yards, 29 touchdown passes, and 11 interceptions, alongside two rushing touchdowns. The Longhorns have only faced defeat twice this season, both at the hands of Georgia. In contrast, his backup, Arch Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Eli and Peyton Manning, has made his mark in limited appearances, accumulating 939 passing yards, nine touchdowns, two interceptions, and four rushing scores.
Why isn’t Arch Manning playing today?
Despite the excitement surrounding Manning, he remains second on the depth chart behind Ewers. Throughout the season, Manning has had opportunities to showcase his talent, but he has not yet taken the reins as a full-time starter. Ewers has been the consistent choice for head coach Steve Sarkisian, contributing significantly to the Longhorns’ playoff success with 524 passing yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions in their playoff wins over Arizona State and Clemson.
Manning has seen action in various situations, stepping in when Ewers was unavailable due to injury and occasionally as a gadget player. Earlier this season, when Ewers missed two games, Manning made his first two collegiate starts, gaining invaluable experience. However, when Ewers struggled against Georgia in October, Sarkisian gave Manning a few snaps, but he completed just three of six passes for 19 yards.
What to expect from the Longhorns against Ohio State
As Texas prepares for Ohio State, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Ewers. The Longhorns’ passing game has been a key asset, racking up 322 passing yards against Arizona State. However, the Buckeyes possess a formidable defense that could challenge Ewers and the entire Texas offense. Will the young Manning finally get a chance to shine if Ewers struggles? This is a question on the minds of many fans as the game approaches.
Sarkisian has shown a willingness to involve Manning, particularly when Ewers is not performing at his best. While Manning is likely to take over the starting role next season, for now, Ewers remains the focal point of the Longhorns’ offense. With Ewers leading the charge, Texas will aim to capitalize on their strengths while finding ways to counter Ohio State’s defensive prowess.
The road ahead for Texas
The Longhorns are not just playing for a chance at the National Championship; they are also playing for pride and redemption. Ewers, in particular, has a personal stake in this game against his former team. The atmosphere is sure to be electric, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
As the Longhorns prepare to take on Ohio State, fans are left wondering: Can Ewers lead Texas to victory? Will Manning see significant playing time? The answers will unfold on Friday night, and one thing is certain—this matchup is one that college football fans won’t want to miss. The excitement is palpable, and the Longhorns are ready to make their mark in the playoff race.
With their eyes set on the ultimate prize, Texas is determined to prove that they belong among the elite in college football. The journey continues, and the Longhorns are ready to fight for their chance at glory.
