Let’s suspend hypothesizing the imminent Texas-ASU Peach Bowl quarterfinal and throw it all the way back to Week 3 for a bit. When Quinn Ewers went down with an oblique strain, there was a sort of morbid excitement within Austin. Not for Ewers’ ill-fortunes, but for an opportunity to witness golden boy Arch Manning. Arch didn’t disappoint, as he garnered 5 TDs within 3 quarters of football. Even as he came down to earth for the next 4 weeks as the interim placeholder, fans saw enough to question their loyalties about who should start going forward.

Quinn Ewers has had a tumultuous time with injuries. After missing time last season with an AC joint sprain, he’s received no respite this season, either. His latest is one that has hampered his ankle and, by extension, his performances. A medley of CFB savants has echoed concerns that pertain to his mobility, or lack thereof.

Over on The Triple Option podcast, former Heisman winner Mark Ingram II stated, “Quinn has been struggling with his health… he’s just not looking like himself right now.” His co-host Rob Stone concurred, saying, “Got to get that ankle healthy, right? That big old brace…they tried to hide it up the other day” Ewers has been doing just about enough to get through the games. Steve Sarkisian’s offense has been substandard, and he’s been leaning on the other side of the ball to win them games.

Ewers’ troubles can be viewed from two lenses– an issue with confidence or a fear of re-injury. With Arch Manning breathing down his neck, perhaps the pressure is getting to QB1. Sark has maintained throughout that Quinn Ewers is unequivocally the starter. He’s spoken glowingly about the two’s relationship. How they’re “each other’s biggest supporters”. However with the recent performances of Ewers, one does wonder if he feels the heat. Even as a relative veteran, this is only a college kid, and insecurity can inadvertently seep in. Ewers’ biggest weakness at this juncture is Manning’s biggest strength.

The proposition of putting Manning in the game in timely circumstances has stemmed from rational thought. It has reverberated across the media landscape and fans alike. Arch’s rushing prowess can provide Texas with a whole different dynamic. Teams do not want to deal with multiple QB packages, especially when they’re this mirroring. The injuries, in tandem with prevalent wisdom, could bring about an unprecedented scope for Arch Manning.

Arch Manning staring at a career-altering proposition virtue of Quinn Ewers’ woes

As per On3, the industry standard for this kind of stuff, Arch Manning has an NIL valuation of $6.6 million. This is the highest in the country across all collegiate sports. Shedeur Sanders was on the top rung for large periods, but is now a close second at $6.5 million. This brings forth a fascinating question.

What even is Arch Manning’s NIL ceiling? He’s ahead of the expected no.1 overall pick despite being second string. The “Manning” factor is working its charm, but it’s not as if Shedeur doesn’t have that going for him as well. If Arch does indeed get reps in place of Ewers and performs on the playoff stage, this figure is only going to ascend further. 

The Longhorns were first-hand witnesses of what a change in QB dynamic can propagate during the SEC Championship Game. Georgia’s backup, Gunner Stockton, like Arch Manning, is a threat with his legs. Steve Sarkisian can not just breathe life into his flailing offense, but also alleviate some pressure off Quinn Ewers. His shoulders and his hurting ankle. However, Ewers wouldn’t want that, with a dark cloud already rendering his future inconspicuous.