With expectations of winning a national championship, Texas supporters are excited by Arch Manning’s one significant advantage that Quinn Ewers never had.

The excitement surrounding the University of Texas football program has reached new heights with the arrival of Arch Manning, the highly touted quarterback who has become a household name even before taking a snap at the collegiate level. Manning, who chose the Longhorns over several other elite programs, is a generational talent with expectations of leading Texas back to the pinnacle of college football. With the program’s focus squarely on competing for a national championship, Arch Manning’s arrival has breathed new life into the Longhorns, creating an overwhelming sense of optimism among the fanbase.

However, while the excitement surrounding Manning is palpable, there is one significant advantage that he holds over Quinn Ewers, the previous Texas starting quarterback, and it could be the difference in whether Texas returns to its former glory. While Ewers, a former 5-star recruit with immense talent, certainly had his moments in Austin, his tenure was marked by inconsistency, injury, and ultimately, uncertainty. Arch Manning’s advantage lies in his unwavering commitment to Texas, the stability he brings, and the fact that he is not caught in the whirlwind of the transfer portal or quarterback competitions that Ewers faced.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into how Arch Manning’s singular advantage—his commitment and stability—sets him up for success, not only compared to Quinn Ewers but also within the broader landscape of Texas football and their aspirations for a national championship in the near future.

Quinn Ewers: A Promising Talent but a Lack of Stability

When Quinn Ewers first committed to Texas, it seemed like the perfect match. After a highly publicized high school career in Southlake Carroll, where he became one of the most highly anticipated quarterbacks in recent memory, Ewers was seen as the savior of the Texas football program. A 5-star prospect who had already garnered comparisons to some of the best quarterbacks in college football, Ewers’ arrival created a sense of hope that Texas had finally found its next star under center.

However, Ewers’ tenure at Texas was anything but stable. After initially committing to Texas Tech, Ewers made headlines when he reclassified to the 2021 recruiting class, enrolling early at Ohio State. His brief stint in Columbus was marked by little playing time, prompting him to transfer back home to Texas in 2022, where he entered a quarterback competition with Hudson Card for the starting role.

Despite a strong start to the 2022 season, including a solid debut against Louisiana, Ewers was sidelined by an injury in the first quarter of Texas’ big matchup against Alabama, forcing him to miss several games. His absence allowed Hudson Card to take over as the starter, and when Ewers returned, the quarterback situation remained murky. Throughout the 2022 season, Texas never truly found its rhythm at the quarterback position, with Ewers struggling with consistency and the offense failing to put together the dominant performances that fans had hoped for.

Ewers’ struggles weren’t necessarily a reflection of his talent. After all, he still possessed an elite arm, great mobility, and the natural athleticism that made him one of the top recruits in the country. But the combination of injuries, the lack of stability, and the uncertainty at quarterback meant that Ewers was never truly able to settle in as Texas’ leader. By the time the season ended, the sense of dissatisfaction around the program was palpable, with many wondering whether Ewers would be the long-term answer at the most important position on the field.

Arch Manning’s Arrival: Stability and Long-Term Commitment

In contrast to Ewers, Arch Manning’s commitment to Texas offers the program something they’ve lacked for years: stability. Manning, the son of Cooper Manning and nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, comes from a family that is synonymous with success in the NFL. With this pedigree, he has the rare ability to bring a sense of calm and consistency to the quarterback room at Texas, something that has been missing for far too long.

Manning’s recruitment was unlike anything the Texas program has seen in recent years. From the moment he decommitted from multiple other schools to pledge to Texas, it was clear that Manning wasn’t just looking for a quick fix. He wasn’t chasing the flashy spotlight or the promise of immediate playing time; rather, Manning chose Texas because he believed in the program’s potential and was willing to dedicate his future to the school’s long-term success.

This commitment is vital for several reasons. First, Manning’s early decision to commit to Texas allowed the coaching staff to build around him. Unlike Ewers, who faced constant scrutiny over his transfer status and the uncertainty that came with his move from Ohio State, Manning will enter the program as a true leader with the full backing of the team and coaching staff. With no pressure to “prove” his worth or transfer again, Manning can focus solely on developing and leading the team toward success.

Second, Manning’s tenure in Austin promises to be free of distractions, something Ewers did not have. Texas’ quarterback battle in 2022 involved both Ewers and Card, creating division in the locker room and making it difficult for the team to rally around one single leader. With Manning firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback from the moment he stepped on campus, the entire team knows who is in charge, allowing Texas to finally establish a sense of offensive cohesion and leadership.

Finally, Manning’s commitment allows Texas to craft a long-term vision for the program. The Texas Longhorns are no strangers to instability in the quarterback position, and Manning offers the kind of certainty that allows Texas to build a successful program around him. Given Manning’s potential to stay for the duration of his college career, the Longhorns have a rare opportunity to develop him fully, create continuity, and ultimately build a championship-contending team.

Arch Manning’s Potential to Lead Texas to a National Championship

With Arch Manning now set to take the reins of the Longhorns, the excitement surrounding his potential is tangible. Manning’s combination of football IQ, physical traits, and family pedigree make him one of the most highly anticipated college football players in recent history.

Manning is an incredibly smart and poised quarterback. While he is just a freshman, he already possesses a maturity that belies his age. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and command an offense will be essential for Texas as it looks to challenge for the national championship. Unlike Ewers, who sometimes struggled with reading defenses and showed inconsistency in his decision-making, Manning’s mental makeup sets him apart.

Physically, Manning has all the tools to succeed at the college level. He possesses a strong arm, the ability to make all the throws, and the mobility to extend plays when needed. But what really stands out about Manning is his poise under pressure. He has consistently performed in high-pressure situations in high school, and that ability to remain calm when the stakes are highest will be invaluable for Texas as they take on some of the toughest teams in the nation.

With Manning under center, Texas enters the 2023 season with newfound confidence and stability. Their offensive line, which struggled at times in recent years, will benefit from having a quarterback who can make quick decisions and keep the offense on schedule. The running game, featuring talents like Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson, will also be able to flourish with a quarterback who can both distribute the ball effectively and take advantage of opportunities when defenses stack the box. Manning’s ability to orchestrate a balanced, high-powered offense will make Texas a formidable contender for the national championship.

Furthermore, Manning’s leadership qualities should not be overlooked. Quarterbacks are often the face of a program, and Manning has already demonstrated his ability to lead by example. His work ethic, maturity, and dedication will make him a natural leader in the locker room. Texas will need that leadership as it faces some of the top teams in college football, especially in the SEC, where every game is a battle.

The Path to Glory for Texas and Arch Manning

Arch Manning’s arrival at Texas isn’t just about his on-field ability. His commitment and stability bring a sense of direction to a program that has been adrift for years. While the Longhorns have long been a proud program with a rich history, they’ve been searching for the right quarterback to guide them back to the top. Manning, with his clear sense of commitment and leadership, has the potential to be the player who does just that.

With Manning under center, Texas’ chances at a national championship have never been higher. His stability and long-term commitment provide a foundation that the Longhorns have lacked for years. Whether Manning ultimately leads Texas to a national title remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the expectations surrounding him are as high as any quarterback in the history of college football, and Texas fans have every reason to believe that he’s the one who can deliver on those expectations.

As Manning and the Longhorns prepare for the challenges ahead, fans in Austin are hopeful that this is the dawn of a new era—an era where Texas once again competes for championships on a national level.