For Quinn Ewers, the future of the Texas Longhorns’ quarterback position seems bright, especially with the talented Arch Manning waiting in the wings. As the team gears up for the Peach Bowl against the Arizona State Sun Devils on New Year’s Day, Ewers took a moment to reflect on Manning’s impressive growth. During a recent media session, he expressed confidence in his backup’s abilities, stating, “I think over the past two years he’s definitely grown and matured for sure, to be able to be successful at Texas.”
### The Rise of Arch Manning
Manning, a highly touted prospect, has made a name for himself even while serving as a backup. His stats are impressive: 61 completions on 90 attempts, totaling 939 yards, with nine touchdowns and just two interceptions. While Ewers has been the starter when healthy, Manning’s performance in limited action has certainly caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. Notably, he stepped in during Ewers’ absence due to an oblique strain, leading the Longhorns to blowout victories over UL Monroe and Mississippi State.
### Ewers’ Performance Under Scrutiny
Despite Ewers’ solid statistics for the season—2,867 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions—his performance has raised some eyebrows. In crucial matchups against the Georgia Bulldogs, he struggled significantly, completing less than 60% of his passes and throwing three interceptions. This inconsistency has led to discussions among fans and analysts about whether it might be time for Manning to take the reins as the starting quarterback.
### What’s Next for Quinn Ewers?
As the Longhorns prepare for their postseason clash, questions loom over Ewers’ future. Will he remain at Texas, enter the NFL Draft, or consider transferring? While returning to Texas is a possibility, the emergence of Manning complicates matters. With Manning confirming his commitment to stay at Texas for the next season, the competition for the starting spot could heat up. It would be Manning’s third year at Austin, and he has already demonstrated flashes of brilliance that suggest he could be ready for a more significant role.
### The Draft Landscape
Looking ahead to the NFL Draft, Ewers’ stock appears to be slipping. Analysts have noted that he may not be among the top two quarterbacks projected for April’s draft—those honors currently belong to Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward. Instead, Ewers might find himself grouped with other talented quarterbacks like Jalen Milroe from Alabama, Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss, and Carson Beck from Georgia. This could potentially place him in the second or third round of the draft, a far cry from the first-round expectations he once held.
### The Transfer Portal: A Viable Option?
Another avenue for Ewers could be entering the transfer portal. Given his experience and the performances he has delivered at Texas, he could attract interest from several competitive programs looking for a quarterback. A fresh start could provide him the opportunity to refine his skills and elevate his draft stock, should he choose to pursue that path.
### The Longhorns’ Future
As the Longhorns look ahead to the Peach Bowl and beyond, the quarterback situation remains a focal point. The ongoing debate between Ewers and Manning has become a hot topic among fans and analysts alike. With the postseason upon them, the Longhorns will rely on Ewers’ experience and leadership, but Manning’s presence adds an intriguing dynamic to the team.
### Looking Forward
The matchup against the Arizona State Sun Devils will be a pivotal moment for both Ewers and Manning. Can Ewers silence the doubters with a stellar performance, or will Manning’s potential steal the spotlight? As the New Year approaches, college football fans are left wondering what the future holds for these two quarterbacks and the Texas Longhorns.
In the world of college football, the pressure is always on, and the competition is fierce. As the Longhorns prepare for their postseason journey, the dynamic between Ewers and Manning will undoubtedly be a storyline to watch closely. Will Ewers emerge as the undisputed leader, or will Manning’s talent force a shift in the team’s hierarchy? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the excitement surrounding Texas football is only just beginning.
