Quinn Ewers delivers verdict on Arch Manning ahead of Texas' clash against Arizona State

For Quinn Ewers, there is no question that Arch Manning will find success as the starting quarterback of the Texas Longhorns. Asked about his assessment of his current backup during a media session ahead of the Peach Bowl, Ewers praised Manning’s development.

“I think over the past two years he’s definitely grown and matured for sure, to be able to be successful at Texas,” Quinn Ewers said.

While Ewers has been the starter when healthy, Manning is as high profile as any backup quarterback in the country. Arch has been efficient in spot duty, going 61-for-90 for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and two picks.

Manning did start in blowout wins over UL Monroe and Mississippi State, as Quinn Ewers was nursing an oblique strain. However, it’s been clear the plan is for Ewers to start for the rest of the postseason.

The Texas Longhorns will face the Arizona State Sun Devils at the Peach Bowl on New Year's Day.

Will Arch Manning take over for Quinn Ewers in 2025?

The Quinn Ewers-Arch Manning debate has been a part of the season at Austin. As Ewers has struggled at times, there have been voices asking for Manning to take over as the starter.

Ewers has passed for 2,867 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 2024. While his numbers look fine, he has been inconsistent. In both losses against the Georgia Bulldogs, he completed under 60% of his passing attempts and threw three interceptions.

While Manning has already confirmed he is staying at Texas next season, there are still questions about Quinn Ewers' future. The junior quarterback could enter the NFL Draft, play one more year at Texas, or transfer to another school.

While returning to Texas is not out of the question, it’s possible that Manning would take over as the starter anyway. It would be the third year at Austin for the highly-touted prospect and he’s already shown glimpses of his talent.

According to some draft analysts, Ewers' draft stock has dropped below the top two quarterbacks for next April’s NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward.

The Texas signal-caller would be in the second group of passers, along with Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart and Georgia’s Carson Beck. That could mean sliding into the second or third round.

Entering the transfer portal could also be an option for Ewers. His experience and performance could land him in a competitive program and help him improve his draft stock if he chooses.