“The Manning era is now”: Texas fans urge Steve Sarkisian to start Arch Manning despite Quinn Ewers’ ASU heroics

Steve Sarkisian's No. 4 Texas will lock horns with No. 6 Ohio State in a College Football Playoff semifinal on Friday. The Longhorns got a spot in the Cotton Bowl after star quarterback Quinn Ewers led the team to a stunning 39-31 double-overtime win over Arizona State.

Despite Ewers' heroics in the Peach Bowl on New Year's Day, Texas fans have urged Sarkisian to start Arch Manning against the Buckeyes. During a discussion in a Barstool Sports video clip on X, several fans approved of Manning to get the starting role against Ohio State.

"The Manning Era is now!" one tweeted.

"In Arch We Trust," added another.

"Great question. They don't appear to have much of a chance against OSU. The change-up could throw the opposition off. It's a moot point, though, because there's no way they're going to gamble like that." a fan wrote.

While many urged Sarkisian to play Manning against Ohio State, a section of fans felt that Ewers deserves to continue as Texas' main man in the CFP semifinal.

"Starting Manning is a hot debate. High potential, but Ewers' experience matters," one wrote.

"No, need Quinn's experience. The offense is built around his skillset and timing pass plays...but do agree Arch should see some plays in the redzone," a fan tweeted in disagreement.

"Imagine asking if a team *in the MIDDLE of a playoff run* should bench their 5-Star QB who has just led them to their second straight CFP semi-final in favor of a younger 5-Star QB with two starts — but the backup QB’s name is Rick Smith instead of Arch Manning. Give it a rest," a fan wrote.

This season, Ewers has racked up 3,189 passing yards and 29 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. He has also rushed for two touchdowns across 13 games but has been criticized for some subpar performances.

Meanwhile, Manning has done a fine job as Ewers' backup. He has posted 939 passing yards and nine touchdowns with two interceptions. Manning's rushing game has also impressed many as he has recorded 100 yards and four touchdowns on 24 carries.

Manning started two games in the regular season when Ewers was dealing with an abdominal injury. He led Texas to dominant wins over ULM and Mississippi State in those two outings.

However, Steve Sarkisian appears to have hinted who will start against the Buckeyes.

Steve Sarkisian expected to start Quinn Ewers vs. Ohio State in CFP semifinal

Texas QB Quinn Ewers (L) and Steve Sarkisian (R) - Source: Imagn

As things stand, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian is likely to start Quinn Ewers over Arch Manning in the CFP semifinal against Ohio State. After Ewers' spirited display against ASU, Sarkisian hinted that he will keep a hold of the starting berth.

"If I can be the model of composure and Quinn can be the model of composure and poise, that permeates throughout our team," Steve Sarkisian said after Texas' win over Arizona State. "Some great plays. (Andrew) Mukuba with a great pick, Matt Golden, Gunnar Helm. Bunch of guys making big plays."

The Texas vs. Ohio State CFP semifinal will be broadcast live on ESPN. Fans can also livestream the Cotton Bowl on Fubo.