Quinn Ewers clears Arch Manning’s path in Texas by making much-awaited announcement

Quarterback Quinn Ewers and the No. 3-ranked Texas Longhorns still have a lot to play for this season. Although they were unsuccessful in winning the SEC Championship game, losing 19-22 in OT to No. 2-ranked Georgia on Saturday, they must quickly get ready for the college football playoff.

The Longhorns play No. 16-ranked Clemson in the first round on Dec. 21.

While Ewers and the Longhorns still have a lot to focus on this season, rumors have started to swirl around the quarterback. There were rumors that Ewers could return to the Longhorns next season for his final season of NCAA eligibility.

However, Ewers has put those rumors to rest. Anwar Richardson reported on Friday morning that Ewers still plans to declare for the 2025 NFL draft after the season. He wrote on X:

"Sources say Quinn Ewers still plans to declare for the NFL Draft after this season, paving the way for Arch Manning to take over in 2025. Manning is locked in with Texas and coach Steve Sarkisian, with no plans to transfer. Right now, both are dialed in on Clemson."

With Ewers headed to the NFL, Arch Manning has a clear path to the starting job at Texas

With Ewers reportedly set to enter the 2025 NFL draft, the path is clear for Arch Manning to take over as the starter of the Longhorns next season. Manning had success this season when Ewers was injured, and as a result, many fans wanted him to take the starting job when Ewers started to receive criticism for his play.

Coach Steve Sarkisian was asked about how to handle the noise around Ewers and Manning in an appearance on "The Rich Eisen Show." He said:

"I try to not consume myself with what y’all think. We focus at the task at hand and that’s what’s in the best interest of the team to win ball games. If I let the emotional roller coaster of what other people think, I’d be an emotional nightmare. Because in one aspect, I can read one article that says Quinn is the greatest thing since whomever. Next is, ‘Why don’t you play Arch?'"

Based on those comments, it appears clear that the starting job is still with Ewers this season. He will get the start when the Longhorns play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the college football playoff.