The Texas Longhorns’ quarterback room has some real firepower, and perhaps no duo is more intriguing than Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning. With getting ready to face Oklahoma next, everyone is raving about how close these two signal callers are. Well, you do not often get two men who want a particular position and yet encourage each other like the two in this instance.

Alyssa Lang of ESPN points this out saying, “It was incredible to listen to the way they talk about each other.” Lang’s comment is on point. You wouldn’t think that this kind of friendship could exist between two players who are more than likely rivals for the role of the leader of the Longhorns. Of course that is the charm of this pair.

“Everything is talking about this relationship between Arch Manning and Quinn Ewers, how strong it is, how supportive they are of each other,” Lang went on, thinking what she saw only too well and from within. It is impossible to have this kind of narrative, where one guy is always looking over his shoulder. What Ewers and Manning have done here is different.

It’s a relationship that is characterized by respect and comprehension. It is not that Ewers was just a backup for his teammate; he was always there for him in every way. “Watching Quinn Ewers cheering from the sidelines for Arch and being there supporting him, wearing the headset, talking to him, coaching him,” according to Lang, provides a glimpse into the special partnership.

Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning: The dynamic duo

This is how they are defining Texas football, but let’s not forget, that both guys would rather be out there in pads. “Two competitors, both want to be on the field, but they can’t because one can play at a time,” Lang added. That is the catch, one can only play the game. However, there is no ill will, no feud here. Only two elite QBs working on becoming better with every practice all season long. What is genius is that Arch Manning already has so much of an implication with him as a freshman student. Lang noted, “Arch in September had the highest QBR, so that speaks volumes… maybe the best Manning we have seen so far.” 

But what about Ewers? He’s no slouch, either. However, he suffered an injury, but he is back this season and showing why Texas had to recruit him. Despite sighting only 8 TD passes in the 2024 season, Ewers’ QBR stands at 86.7, having passed for 691 yards. Manning is not far behind him though with 901 yards and 9 touchdowns to go along with an 85.9 QBR. That’s not the issue here; the talent is clear—it’s the furtherance of it that is in question.

Both quarterbacks are sharp and bring their A-game. Manning, who struggled early in his first start, gave credit to watching and learning from Ewers, “Arch talked about some of the struggles he had in his first start… how he was able to flush it from his mind… he credited it so much of it watching to do throughout his career.” That is why everybody in Texas is happy with these two guys.

Coach Steve Sarkisian has a pretty nice dilemma on his hands, it’s not a simple task to determine who will be in charge of the offense. But Texas fans should feel lucky. This is not some power struggle or head-knocking — it is about two men with mutual respect and both very much wanting to be the winner in this situation. “It is incredible how they talk about each other,” said Lang. That is what makes this relationship so unique. No matter who’s under center, the Longhorns have a QB that’s hungry, focused, and supported by his teammate.

Sarkisian will have to inevitably make a tough call when Oklahoma is next on the schedule. Although Ewers and Manning can cover for each other when one is not at his best, Texas is well positioned for what is one of the most important games of the year.

In case you wish to explore concepts like NIL in detail, you can check out the latest episode of the Think Tank podcast.