Texas Coach Steve Sarkisian Addresses Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning Dynamic

The Texas Longhorns have two of the most highly-touted quarterback recruits in history on the same roster.

The Texas Longhorns went about a decade without having top-tier quarterback play, and now they have two of the highest-ranked quarterback recruits ever.

As you might expect there is already a built-in sense of debate with one being better than the other amongst the fans, but when you factor in the fact that one of them happens to be a Manning, you get yourself a national headline. The Longhorns have both Quinn Ewers who was a perfectly rated recruit, and former five-star Arch Manning.

The 2023 season marked Ewers' second year at the helm, but there were constant dialogues about when Manning would replace him. A storyline that has continued into the offseason after a year that saw him barely play.

Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning throwing at practice :: © Ricardo B. Brazziell / American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

From the moment Manning set foot on campus, outside voices said he would claim the job from Ewers. In reality, he was nowhere near ready, and wasn't even the backup. However, just because he didn't play, doesn't mean it wasn't a good experience for him. Head coach Steve Sarkisian broke down why he thinks it benefitted both recently when talking to Keyshawn Johnson.

“I think for the both of these guys, it’s going to be the best for them for their futures so they can play the best football,” Sarkisian said on Johnson's All Facts No Brakes podcast. “We’re fortunate. I’ve never been anywhere where we haven’t had quarterbacks. We’re fortunate to have those two guys right now as guys who can go out and lead our offense and lead our team.”

Ewers handled the noise like a pro, and took dramatic steps in his development. He established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the country, throwing for 22 touchdowns to just six picks. Sarkisian explained to Johnson how important a third year is for Ewers.

“I think for Quinn, having one more season of starting, getting his start number up into the thirties as a bona fide starter, being the leader of a team, continuing to mature, staying healthy, and things of that nature (will help),” Sarkisian said.

As for Manning, Sarkisian thinks sitting another year will only help him and the program.

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“For Arch, what a great opportunity as a back up now this year in his second season,” Sarkisian said. “Going to get some definite playing time, and we’re looking forward to him doing that, watching his maturation and growth.”

With Maalik Murphy no longer in the picture, Manning now slides into the QB2 role and should get more reps. Ewers will look to build off his massive season, while also guiding Texas to a successful season in their first year in the SEC, and looking to get redemption for their playoff loss in 2023.