Steve Sarkisian sends a strong message to doubters amid ongoing Quinn Ewers-Arch Manning debate

Quinn Ewers has had a pretty strong season for the Texas Longhorns despite some hiccups, including an injury that sidelined him for two full games and more than half of another. The five-star prospect and top-ranked overall recruit in the 2021 recruiting class has made eight starts, throwing for 1,898 yards, 21 touchdowns and six interceptions while completing 68.4% of his passes.

There have been calls for backup quarterback Arch Manning to take over under center. After attempting just five passes as a true freshman last season, he has appeared in six games, making two starts in place of an injured Ewers. The five-star prospect and top-ranked overall recruit in the 2023 recruiting class has shined in limited playing time.

He has thrown for 939 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions. Manning has completed 67.8% of his passes while adding 81 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries. Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian shared a message to Ewers, which was shared by Inside Texas in a post on X/Twitter:

"My hope is that he's enjoying this experience because this stuff is once in a lifetime. He comes back and here we go again. We're 9-1, we're in the SEC, and we're competing for a conference championship and an opportunity to get back to the playoffs.

"I'm hopeful that he's enjoying it, that he's learning some real life lessons about how to deal with adversity, and I think I'm hopeful that he's pouring into those that are really close to him," he added.

Despite seeing his stock fall in recent weeks, Ewers has Texas within striking distance of the College Football Playoff for the second consecutive season. The Longhorns' -1000 odds to reach the postseason are the fourth-best in the nation.

Steve Sarkisian praises Quinn Ewers for his growth

Quinn Ewers has seemingly improved every year of his collegiate career. Sarkisian recently praised his starting quarterback for his growth, citing his mental and physical toughness.

"From where he was year one to where he is today, to the rapport he has with his teammates, to the mental and physical toughness he exudes, for us I think is one that's admired in the locker room," Sarkisian said.

"I think there wasn't a more fitting play for him than the 4th and 2 last week against Arkansas where we call the zone read with him. "He decides to try to run the safety over to get the first down to seal the victory, and I just think that's who Quinn is," he added.

While fans have called for Arch Manning to take over at various points this season, Quinn Ewers' job does not appear to be in danger. It is unclear for now whether the five-star prospect plans to enter the 2025 NFL draft after this season.