Coming into this season, the Texas Longhorns quarterback room was a focal point as two stars competed for the starting job. Coach Steve Sarkisian clearly named Quinn Ewers as the starter for the year and explained that Arch Manning would take over in 2025. However, as Texas prepares for their final home game on the SEC schedule, Sarkisian’s recent comments have cast doubts on Ewers’ future and Manning’s rise.
The Longhorns boast an impressive 9-1 record (5-1 in league play) and are looking like favorites to win the SEC Championship. However, they must first take care of their remaining matchups against Kentucky and Texas A&M. What seemed like a relatively calm week of preparation for Saturday’s game took an unexpected turn when Sarkisian provided a suspenseful answer regarding Ewers’ future in Austin.
During his Monday press conference, Sarkisian was asked whether the upcoming game against the Wildcats at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium would be Quinn’s last home college football game. In a surprising twist, he responded, “No idea,” leaving fans and analysts alike to ponder the implications of his words.
Could Ewers stay for another season with the Longhorns?
It always seemed out of the question. Ewers entered this season as a Heisman candidate and was almost guaranteed to be among the top QB prospects heading into the NFL Draft. However, he has yet to declare for it. Ewers missed some games this season after sustaining an abdominal injury, so he may be trending towards playing a full season before making the leap to the NFL.
Moreover, Ewers redshirted his first college season with the Ohio State Buckeyes before transferring to Texas. Therefore, the 21-year-old could take advantage of this and stay in school for another year. This possibility raises the stakes for both Ewers and Manning, as they navigate their respective futures.
How does it affect Manning?
It may mean bad news for Arch Manning, who has endured the QB2 role for the 2024 season with the promise of becoming the main guy in Texas’ offense in 2025. Although Arch and his iconic football family are known for their honor and respect for coaching decisions, this situation could be a breaking point in Manning’s stay in Austin.
Fans were also taken by surprise by Sarkisian’s comment. Everybody in the burnt orange nation is anxious for Manning to take on the starting job next season, as they’ve actively called for him to be under center whenever Ewers struggled this season. The anticipation for Manning to step into the spotlight is palpable, and Sarkisian’s ambiguous remarks have only heightened the tension.
Perhaps Sarkisian’s answer was intended to show that the team is focused on the collective goal rather than whether their QB is declaring for the NFL Draft or staying for another NCAA season. However, Sarkisian could’ve offered some further explanation but elected not to, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the future of both quarterbacks.
These next days will be pivotal to learn about Ewers’ standpoint and Manning’s, too. Whether Sarkisian’s answer had some background to it or was just a reflexive response to a matter he hadn’t put much thought into, the implications are significant. Will Ewers decide to stay for another season, or is he set on making the jump to the NFL? And how will Manning react to the uncertainty surrounding his future?
As the Longhorns gear up for their final home game, the atmosphere is charged with excitement and anxiety. The stakes are high, and the decisions made in the coming weeks could shape the future of Texas football for years to come. The Longhorns are not just playing for a championship; they are also navigating a complex quarterback situation that could define their trajectory in the SEC.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this dramatic saga. Will Ewers solidify his status as a top prospect, or will he choose to stay and lead the Longhorns for another year? And what about Manning? Will he seize the opportunity to become the face of Texas football in 2025, or will he have to wait longer than expected?
The excitement surrounding Texas football is palpable, and the upcoming games will undoubtedly be a spectacle. With the SEC Championship on the line and the futures of two talented quarterbacks hanging in the balance, every play, every decision, and every moment will be scrutinized. The Longhorns are not just playing for glory; they are also playing for their futures.
As we approach the final stretch of the season, one thing is clear: the drama in Texas football is far from over. The Longhorns are poised for greatness, but the questions surrounding their quarterbacks add an intriguing layer to an already thrilling season. Fans can only hope that the answers will come soon, as the excitement of college football continues to unfold.
