He’s barely played, and yet, Texas quarterback Arch Manning is one of the biggest names in college football.
Why isn’t Manning playing for Texas yet? What’s in the way, and how early can he be expected to take the reins?
Quinn Ewers Keeps Arch Manning Off the Field for Texas
Manning is one of the most well-known players on the college football stage and one of the highest-valued NIL athletes. Part of that comes from being the nephew of NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning. Part of that comes from being a former No. 1 overall recruit.
For now, however, Manning is stuck behind another top overall recruit on the Texas Longhorns’ depth chart. After completing two of five passes for 30 yards in limited action in 2023, Manning enters the 2024 campaign as the backup to incumbent starter Quinn Ewers.
There’s a chance Manning will eventually see the field in 2024 due to injury or relief opportunities. However, the possibility of poor performance and benching is less likely in Ewers’ case.
Ewers was a second-team All-Big 12 competitor in 2023, who completed 272 of 394 attempts (69%) for 3,479 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just six interceptions while also adding five rushing touchdowns. Along the way, he helped lead Texas to the College Football Playoff.
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Now, as Texas joins the SEC, the pressure will mount on Ewers’ shoulders — but Steve Sarkisian’s squad is as talented as it’s ever been. Fellow NFL hopefuls like offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. and wide receiver Isaiah Bond strengthen Ewers’ supporting cast.
Ewers should be able to stay productive in what might be his last season before making the leap to the 2025 NFL Draft.
Though excitement is mounting for Manning, who racked up over 300 yards and three touchdowns in the team’s Orange and White game in the spring, his time might not come until his redshirt sophomore season in 2025.
But with time to sit and learn, Manning will be ready.
Ewers Signals NFL Draft Rise for Texas’ Top QB Talents
Both Ewers and Manning are on the NFL Draft radar for their respective cycles.
Evaluators will be keeping a close eye on Manning’s early reps as he nears his opportunity to enter the fold in 2026 or 2027.
Ewers, meanwhile, is firmly in the mix for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Entering the 2025 NFL Draft cycle, Ewers grades out as a Day 3 prospect on Pro Football Network’s board, but his raw talent is undeniable. In fact, it’s one of his most compelling traits.
Ewers’ scouting report from PFN has more:
“Ewers’ arm elasticity is special, and it allows him to remain a passing threat from virtually any platform. He has more than enough strength to pair with that angle freedom, and while he’s not overly explosive or fast, he is quick enough to be a modest creative presence.
Going further, the high-end flashes of execution where Ewers is able to channel these tools are very impressive. He can layer pace and touch beautifully on vertical and seam throws, and he does flash the ability to recognize opportunities pre-snap and capitalize.”
For Ewers, becoming more disciplined with his mechanics and timing is the next step toward becoming an early-round prospect. Perhaps the 2024 college football season can provide the requisite runway for him to make those changes as Manning waits in the wings.
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