In a pivotal move for the Texas Longhorns football program, Head Coach Steve Sarkisian has announced that freshman Arch Manning will assume the starting quarterback role for the upcoming 2025 season. This decision follows the departure of former starter Quinn Ewers, who declared for the NFL draft on January 15, 2025, after leading the team to consecutive College Football Playoff appearances.
Ewers’ tenure at Texas was marked by significant achievements, including setting records for passing yards and touchdowns. However, his final season was marred by injuries, notably an oblique strain and a high ankle sprain, which limited his mobility and consistency on the field. Despite these challenges, Ewers chose to forgo transferring, opting instead to enter the NFL draft, aiming to preserve his legacy with the Longhorns.
Manning’s rise to the starting position has been swift and well-received. In his limited appearances during the previous season, he demonstrated exceptional talent, including a standout performance against UTSA where he accounted for five total touchdowns in relief of the injured Ewers. His humility and leadership qualities have also earned him respect among teammates, with former defensive back Jahdae Barron recalling Manning’s gesture of offering to do his laundry, highlighting Manning’s down-to-earth nature.
The transition from Ewers to Manning signifies a new era for the Longhorns, with expectations high for Manning to lead the team to national prominence. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Manning’s performance, leadership, and ability to meet the lofty expectations set by his predecessors.