The Texas Longhorns have emerged as a central figure in college football for 2024, boasting a roster primed to compete for a national championship. They have a starting quarterback regarded as one of the best in the nation, along with a backup quarterback who is even more popular.
Quinn Ewers, initially a Heisman candidate, sustained an ‘oblique strain’ during the Longhorns’ 56-7 win over UTSA. When Ewers left the game, highly regarded sophomore Arch Manning stepped in and excelled.
Manning completed 9 of 12 passes for 223 yards and four touchdowns, plus a 67-yard rushing touchdown on an option play. This raises the question of whether a quarterback controversy might be developing in Austin, especially since both players rank in the top five of On3’s NIL valuation rankings (Manning at No. 4 with $3.1 million and Ewers at No. 5 with $2.2 million).
As Texas prepares to face Louisiana-Monroe this week, the choice of starting quarterback may not significantly impact the game’s outcome. However, Coach Steve Sarkisian labeled Ewers as ‘questionable’ and indicated that his status would be evaluated daily. If the Longhorns opt to rest Ewers and allow Manning to start against the Warhawks, what if Manning performs exceptionally well and enhances the run game in ways that Ewers does not?
While it’s unlikely that Manning will permanently take the starting role against ULM while Ewers is sidelined, scrutiny will increase on Ewers as SEC play approaches, particularly with major games against Oklahoma and Georgia on the horizon.
There is no doubt within the program or nationwide that Arch Manning represents the future of Texas football, and he solidified that notion on Saturday. However, could this future also become a reality this season as the Longhorns aim to reclaim their former glory? Only time will tell.
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