Following his instrumental role in leading Texas to a Big 12 title and an appearance in the College Football Playoff last season, Quinn Ewers is gearing up for 2024 as the undisputed starting quarterback.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian, while acknowledging the promising potential of Arch Manning, unequivocally affirmed Ewers as the primary signal-caller on the team’s depth chart.
Manning, touted as the top recruit in the 2023 class, pledged his commitment to Texas in the summer of 2022. However, he spent his freshman year playing second fiddle to Ewers and Maalik Murphy, attempting just five passes across two games.
🤘 pic.twitter.com/eWkYFu49zl
— Quinn Ewers (@QuinnEwers) January 11, 2024
Following Murphy’s decision to transfer to Duke after the regular season, speculation arose regarding Manning’s potential departure, particularly with Ewers announcing his return to the Longhorns for the upcoming season.
Despite opportunities for Manning to seek immediate playing time elsewhere, he remained steadfast in his commitment to Texas.
“Obviously there’s always rumors, especially nowadays. I haven’t looked into transferring at all,” Manning stated on Dec. 30. “I’m just focused on developing and helping this team any way I can and hopefully one day playing for the University of Texas like I’ve always wanted to.”
Ewers showcased his prowess during the 2023 campaign, amassing 3,479 passing yards, 22 touchdown passes, and an impressive 69.0 completion percentage.
The Longhorns enjoyed a stellar 12-2 season, highlighted by a monumental 34-24 victory over Alabama at Bryant–Denny Stadium in Week 2. This success culminated in clinching the Big 12 title for the first time since 2009 and securing a coveted playoff spot for the first time since its inception in 2014.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Texas faces the challenge of transitioning to the SEC, where competition is expected to intensify. The schedule features notable matchups, including a non-conference road clash against Michigan, the iconic Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma, and a home contest against Georgia.
