The battle for Texas’ QB1 was always going to come down to Arch Manning or Quinn Ewers in 2024. The two signal-callers didn’t just split reps, they split the fanbase. Was Ewers the right man for the job, or was it time for the Longhorns to turn the page? Despite turnover issues, Steve Sarkisian’s decision to ride with Ewers had some questioning his judgment. Even so, Texas still pushed their way to the CFP semifinals, only to fall 28-14 to Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. 

Now, with the passing of the torch, the debate should be over, but not so fast! Chris Simms, who played college football in Texas from 1999 to 2002, has something to say about Arch Manning and Quinn Ewers. He didn’t mince words in his appearance on DLLS Sports on February 7. “From everything I know, Arch is like the guy and, of course, the talent,” the Pro Football Talk analyst said.

“Sarkisian is going to be able to do more with Arch, not only because of his running ability. He’s a better thrower than Quinn Ewers and I think he’ll be a better decision-maker from everything I hear, too.”

It’s not just being the nephew of NFL greats Eli Manning and Peyton Manning that makes Arch Manning a favored QB in Austin. The numbers tell part of the story. The 19-year-old may have had limited reps this past season — just seven appearances and two starts. But his efficiency stood out. 

A 67.8% completion rate for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions. Compare that to Quinn Ewers who played in 14 games and put up 293-of-445 passes for 3,472 yards with 31 touchdowns, but also tossed 12 interceptions. So the accuracy factor is clear and Manning might just be a better thrower. 

Top Comment by Rick Oney

When Ewers returned from his injury, Sarkisian should have had a QB competition between Ewers and Manning. I believe Manning gave...more

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Debate

But the debate isn’t just about stats. It’s about the eye test. Manning showed flashes of brilliance when called upon. One notable instance that highlighted his smart decision-making was during Texas’ Week 3 game against UTSA. When Ewers exited with an injury, the 5-star QB wasted no time throwing a 19-yard TD pass before breaking off a jaw-dropping 67-yard TD run shortly after.

Fans saw the talent, the poise, and the decision-making. Despite the obvious, the refusal of Steve Sarkisian to start Manning racked up negative comments on his decision-making. 

Did Steve Sarkisian make the right decision in 2024? 

Early into the season, fans noticed Quinn Ewers’ inconsistency with six interceptions and 11 sacks in the first six games. This led to Steve Sarkisian complying with fans’ calls to put Arch Manning in when he benched their starter in the 30-15 loss to Georgia. But neither could shift the momentum. Ewers finished 25-of-43 passes for 211 yards, two TDs, and an interception while Manning completed 3-of-6 passes for 19 yards. After the game, Sarkisian shut down the debate, saying, “Quinn’s our starting quarterback.” But…

The Cotton Bowl loss to Ohio State only reignited the debate. Quinn Ewers was rattled early — three sacks and one fumble in just over one quarter. As Texas trailed 7-0, chants only grew louder with fans saying, “Put Arch Manning in. Quinn Ewers is not it.”

But now, fans are finally going to get what they want. With Ewers out of college football and Manning leading the charge in 2025, the pressure is on. And it’s not just the Texas fans hyping him up. Some NFL teams reportedly look to “tank for Arch” in the 2026 NFL Draft. 

Was Steve Sarkisian right to ride with Quinn Ewers in 2024? Or will Arch Manning’s rise prove that Texas’ best shot at glory was standing on the sidelines all along? We’re about to find out.