Opinion: Quinn Ewers' Job is NOT in Jeopardy in 2024

Despite leading the Texas Longhorns to the College Football Playoff and to their first conference title in over a decade, QB Quinn Ewers is still having his job called into question by the media.

Quinn Ewers led the Texas Longhorns to the College Football Playoff in 2023, in what was arguably the best single season for a quarterback for the program since Colt McCoy was under center.

Statistically, only Sam Ehlinger has had more yards and touchdowns in a season than Ewers. In terms of wins and conference championships, no one since McCoy has accomplished more under center since Ewers. 

But, despite all of that, various media outlets have begun to question whether or not Ewers - should he return in 2024 - will hold on to his job over Arch Manning. 

And quite frankly, at least in the opinion of LonghornsCountry.com, those assertions are absolutely asinine. 

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To be fair, we understand the current state of the college game. Star players leave at the drop of a hat, and players are more free to do what they want than ever before - just look at Texas A&M, who lost arguably its two best players to the NCAA Transfer Portal in Walter Nolen and Evan Stewart. 

That said, this is NOT that. There is no precedent in Texas football or college football anywhere in the country for a starter, who had one of the best seasons in school history and led his team to a conference championship and a shot at a national title, to lose his job to a backup.

Yes, Jalen Hurts lost his job to Tua Tagovialoa at Alabama. But he was benched for poor play in favor of Tagovialoa, who went on to win the Tide a national championship.

Manning, on the other hand, has played in two games, throwing for 30 yards on 2 of 5 completions, and rushing for seven yards on three carries. 

So no, that is not a relevant comparison. 

Look, we understand that he is a Manning. And yes, he is one of the highest-rated players to ever come to Texas at the most important position on the field, and fans are anxious to see what he can do. 

But, if we had a guess, Steve Sarkisian is not going to jeopardize the chemistry or culture in the locker room to appease the fan base. 

Ewers is the leader of the Longhorns. It is his team. Period. Players have gone on record saying as much. 

Quinn Ewers Reveals How He Has Improved So Much From 2022 to Sugar Bowl

So do we really believe that just because the fans want a Manning under center, that Sarkisian is going to throw a quarterback who helped Texas win its first conference title and it to its first 12-win season in 15 years to the wayside?

Absolutely not. 

To be clear, this is not a knock against Manning in any way, shape or form. He is an elite talent, and that is not a debatable fact.

Yes, he might end up being better than Ewers in the long run.  

But right now, and next season, Ewers is leaps and bounds ahead of Manning. Don't believe us? Well, Las Vegas has Ewers listed as the favorite for the 2024 Heisman Trophy. 

Not only that but if he even improves half as much as he did from Year 1 to Year 2, in Year 2 to Year 3, then he has a very real shot at being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. 

"But what if Arch decides to leave because he doesn't want to sit for another year?" many will ask. 

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Well, by all accounts, Manning seems perfectly happy sitting, learning, and developing behind Ewers for one more season. And by his own words, he has never once thought of transferring or leaving the program. 

"Obviously there are always rumors, especially nowadays,' Manning said before the Sugar Bowl. "I haven't looked into transferring at all. I'm just focused on developing and helping this team any way I can and hopefully, one day playing for the University of Texas like I've always wanted to."

Does that mean it has been easy for him? No, of course not. He is a competitor and wants to play.

"It's never fun being a backup and sitting. Each person's journey is different," Manning said. "I'm going to work hard, not blink an eye, help Quinn be the best quarterback he can be, and try to get better along the way."

And no, the Mannings are not going to force Sarkisian to make a chance either. It is not in the family's character to demand a starting spot for their son, nephew, or grandson.

Besides, as we have said already, Sarkisian has an entire program to consider, and cannot and would not entertain the wants and desires of that family - regardless of who they are - without risking the culture of his locker room. 

Arch Manning Debunks Transfer Rumors, Reveals Thoughts on Being a Backup

Of course, this all becomes irrelevant if Ewers decides to declare for the 2024 draft. Which, while we expect him to return for another year, he very well might do.

But until he decides to leave Austin or has an absolute meltdown and begins to play like a shell of the player he has been in 2023, the starting job is Ewers' to lose. Period. End of story. 

Fans may not like that. In fact, they may hate it. Which, is kind of crazy when you think about it considering Ewers just led his team to one of its best seasons ever. 

Then again, this is Texas football, and there is no shortage of craziness within the fan base at large. Which holds true for any major blue blood program.

Either way, while we understand the urge to be on the cutting edge of the Texas sports beat, this discussion is not the way to go about it.