Ahead of the highly anticipated College Football Playoff, all eyes are on the Texas Longhorns and their star quarterback, Quinn Ewers. As the team gears up for their second consecutive playoff appearance, questions swirl about Ewers’ future and his potential draft grade. With the talented Arch Manning waiting in the wings, the situation has become even more intriguing.
Speculation has been rampant regarding Ewers’ plans after this season. Many expected the former No. 1 overall recruit to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, allowing Manning to step into the starting role at Texas. However, recent rumors suggest that Ewers might consider returning to college football, which could create a complex scenario for the Longhorns moving forward.
Quinn Ewers addresses his future
As the Longhorns prepare to face off against No. 12-seed Clemson in the first round of the College Football Playoff, Ewers spoke to reporters about his uncertain future. “I’m not sure yet, I’m just trying to win these games,” Ewers stated. “I haven’t thought about anything beyond that.” This statement has only fueled the speculation surrounding his next steps.
Ewers’ performance in the playoff games could significantly impact his draft stock. ESPN’s NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. weighed in on the situation, suggesting that Ewers might benefit from returning to college, potentially even transferring to another program. “Arch Manning is going to be the quarterback at Texas next year,” Kiper noted. “So if you want to play college football, you probably have to move on somewhere.”
Mel Kiper’s draft insights
Kiper’s insights are particularly noteworthy as he ranked Ewers as the No. 6 quarterback in his latest 2025 NFL Draft Big Board. This ranking places him behind projected first-round picks such as Shedeur Sanders from Colorado, Cam Ward from Miami, and Jalen Milroe from Alabama. Kiper also highlighted Penn State’s Drew Allar and Georgia’s Carson Beck as quarterbacks ahead of Ewers, suggesting that a second- or third-round draft grade is a real possibility for the Longhorns quarterback.
With this in mind, Ewers faces a pivotal moment in his career. If he performs exceptionally well in the playoff games, he may generate enough momentum to consider entering the draft. However, if his performance falters, returning to college could be a more attractive option.
Arch Manning’s potential impact
As the Longhorns navigate this uncertain landscape, the presence of Arch Manning adds another layer of complexity. The highly touted backup quarterback has been waiting for his chance to shine, and many believe he could be the key to Texas’ success in the playoffs. ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky recently shared his thoughts on how Texas should utilize Manning during the playoff run.
“I do not think that they can win the whole thing unless Arch Manning plays a decent amount at quarterback,” Orlovsky asserted. He specifically suggested that Manning could be a valuable asset in the red zone, where his efficiency as both a passer and a runner could make a significant difference.
Strategies for success in the playoffs
Orlovsky emphasized the importance of integrating Manning into the game plan, especially in critical situations. “I think the plan has to be Arch Manning goes into the football game when Texas gets down towards that or in that red zone area,” he explained. “It has to be 11-on-11 football because the passing game down there hasn’t been as precise as it needs to be.”
The pressure is mounting for Ewers. If he struggles during the playoffs, the coaching staff may need to make a bold decision and turn to Manning as the primary quarterback. “If Quinn continues to struggle? At some point, you’ve got to have the Nick Saban cohones to go make the move,” Orlovsky added, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The road ahead for Texas
As the Longhorns prepare for their playoff matchup, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Ewers has the opportunity to solidify his legacy at Texas while also making a case for his future in the NFL. Meanwhile, Manning’s potential emergence as a star quarterback looms large, creating a fascinating dynamic for the team.
The outcome of the playoff games will not only shape the future of Ewers and Manning but also the trajectory of the Texas football program. Will Ewers rise to the occasion and lead his team to victory, or will the Longhorns turn to Manning to secure their playoff dreams?
With so much at stake, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. The College Football Playoff is a stage where legends are born, and for both Ewers and Manning, the next few games could define their careers in ways they never imagined. The excitement is palpable, and as the playoff unfolds, one thing is certain: Texas football is in for a thrilling ride.
