It’s playoff time in Texas, y’all, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Steve Sarkisian’s Longhorns are gearing up to face Dabo Swinney’s Clemson Tigers this Saturday. But let’s keep it a buck—everyone’s talking less about the Tigers and more about the never-ending quarterback drama in Austin. Quinn Ewers, the golden boy with a howitzer for an arm, has been wobbling like a bad wheel lately. Pocket collapses? He freezes. Red zone drives? Inconsistent. And in the playoffs, inconsistency will send you packing faster than a Texas barbecue selling out at lunchtime. Enter Arch Manning, the new kid with the Manning genes and the wheels to prove it.

Now, nobody’s saying Quinn Ewers doesn’t have talent—he does, big time. But as Kirk Herbstreit pointed out on College Gameday, “This is Quinn’s team… but it’s been so up and down. The potential with Quinn is exciting, but there have been too many moments where he’s missed opportunities.” The man spoke nothing but facts.

Ewers has tossed 25 touchdowns against 9 picks this season, which ain’t bad, maybe. But when you add in his -62 rushing yards and an O-line that gave up 13 sacks in two games against Georgia, things are low-key looking shaky. “Texas’s offense has to play well around Ewers…They’ve got to protect him. He’s not a mover.” Saban’s on money here. As an O-line, you can’t be allowing 13 sacks on your QB against the same team in 2 different matchups.

Let’s talk about Arch Manning because this dude isn’t just hype—he’s stats. In his four appearances this season, including two starts, Arch threw for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and just two picks while completing nearly 68% of his passes. That’s not all, folks. Arch can move. Remember that Texas A&M game? Fourth and two, the kid took off like a rocket and ran 15 yards into the end zone. He’s rushed for 100 yards and 4 touchdowns this season—3 more rushing TDs to catch Ewers’ entire college career rushing TDs.

Nick Saban thinks Sark might already have some plays in his back pocket for Arch. “What Arch brings is the ability to make the defense account for quarterback runs, as well as Texas’s already challenging offense,” Saban said. “It wouldn’t surprise me if Sark has something like that in mind.” And honestly, why wouldn’t he? When you’re in the red zone against Clemson, you need someone who can make defenders guess. That someone is Arch. Period.

Is Arch Manning a better fit for Sarkisian’s offense in the playoffs?

Arch Manning in Steve Sarkisian’s offense is like adding hot sauce to a taco—everything just clicks. Sark’s play-calling is already top-tier, and Arch’s dual-threat ability would make it even deadlier. Kirk Herbstreit praised Sarkisian, saying, “Sark’s ability to draw up plays and scheme things effectively is remarkable.” That’s high praise from one of college football’s sharpest minds. The thing is, Sarkisian doesn’t have to bench Ewers entirely. He could use Arch in packages, especially in the red zone, where his mobility shines. It’s a W-W—keep Ewers’ arm, and add Arch’s legs. Clemson wouldn’t know what hit ’em.

But let’s not act like this is all sunshine and touchdowns. Quinn Ewers has the experience, and throwing Arch into the playoff fire could backfire if the kid isn’t ready for the big stage. That said, Sark isn’t afraid to take risks. Remember Week 8 against Georgia? Arch stepped in and delivered. That’s proof enough that he can handle the heat when it matters most. So, will Arch Manning see significant snaps against Clemson?

If Quinn Ewers shows up like the stud he can be, probably not. But if the pocket collapses or Ewers starts messing red-zone throws, Sarkisian would be foolish not to unleash Arch. The playoffs are all about adjustments, and having two quarterbacks with contrasting styles is a luxury most teams can only dream of.

One thing’s for sure—Arch Manning’s time is coming. Whether it’s as a red-zone assassin this weekend or the Longhorns’ full-time starter next season, this kid is built for the spotlight. And if Quinn Ewers doesn’t deliver, the Arch era might start sooner than we think. Buckle up, Longhorn Nation—it’s gonna be one wild ride in Austin.