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

The University of Texas Longhorns football program has long been one of the most storied and tradition-rich in college football history. The bright lights of Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium have witnessed thrilling victories, heartbreaking losses, and a myriad of legendary players. In recent years, however, the team has been in a period of transition, trying to reclaim its place among college football’s elite teams. The emergence of Arch Manning as the next great quarterback for the Longhorns has brought a renewed sense of excitement, optimism, and anticipation to the fanbase.

For Texas supporters, there is palpable hope in Manning’s arrival, fueled not just by his last name but by his unique talents and an advantage that has many seeing him as the potential key to bringing the program its first national championship since 2005. This advantage is significant, especially when compared to the team’s previous star quarterback, Quinn Ewers, who despite his immense talent, never fully capitalized on what many saw as his immense potential at Texas.

At the heart of the comparison lies one simple but important distinction: Arch Manning has the pedigree, the mindset, and the tools to thrive in a high-pressure environment in a way Quinn Ewers simply never did. It’s a subtle, but game-changing factor that could elevate Texas to the next level in the race for a national title.

A Legacy of Excellence: The Manning Name

Before examining the unique advantages Arch Manning brings to Texas, it’s essential to recognize the Manning family legacy. Arch is the latest chapter in a football lineage that includes Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, and his grandfather, Archie Manning. These names are etched into the annals of NFL history, each of them having carved out a legendary career. Peyton’s two Super Bowl titles and Eli’s two Super Bowl MVP awards (along with his countless playoff victories) are just the most visible parts of their impact on the sport.

But beyond the accomplishments, the Manning family has instilled a mentality and a work ethic that is second to none. While every player has their unique characteristics, what defines the Mannings—especially Arch—is their ability to stay calm under pressure, their high football IQ, and their meticulous approach to preparation. Arch Manning grew up with these principles ingrained in him, learning from one of the greatest quarterback legacies of all time. This mental toughness is often what makes the difference between good quarterbacks and great quarterbacks—and is one of the significant advantages Arch brings to Texas.

Comparing Arch Manning and Quinn Ewers: A Tale of Two Quarterbacks

1. The Manning Mentality vs. Ewers’ Early Struggles

As a highly-rated recruit out of Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, Arch Manning’s pedigree couldn’t have been more pristine. Being the No. 1 quarterback prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, expectations were always going to be sky-high. Manning, however, seems to handle that pressure with the calmness of a seasoned veteran.

Quinn Ewers, the Longhorns’ former starting quarterback, also arrived in Austin with sky-high expectations as a five-star recruit. He was hailed as the next big thing in Texas football after a standout high school career and a year at Ohio State before transferring to Texas. However, Ewers’ time at Texas has been marked by inconsistency. He showed flashes of brilliance, including a huge win against Alabama in 2022, but his overall play was often erratic. The inability to fully meet expectations in the high-pressure environment of Austin led to criticism of his play under pressure and left questions about his long-term potential at Texas.

Unlike Ewers, Arch Manning has been raised in the intense glare of the spotlight his entire life. The pressures and expectations are nothing new to him—he has watched his uncles and grandfather overcome challenges, build their legacies, and perform under the brightest lights in football. This unique upbringing has given Arch a level of mental toughness and resilience that many young quarterbacks don’t develop until they are in the NFL. Manning is accustomed to the spotlight and the inevitable scrutiny that comes with it.

In many ways, Manning’s mental approach to the game—his ability to stay even-keeled regardless of the circumstances—represents one of the most significant advantages he brings to Texas that Ewers could never fully develop in his time there. This resilience could prove pivotal when facing high-stakes games, such as those in the Big 12 Championship or the College Football Playoff, where handling pressure is critical for success.

2. Arch Manning’s Advanced Football IQ

Another significant advantage Arch Manning has over Quinn Ewers is his football IQ. In addition to his raw athleticism, Manning’s understanding of the game is exceptional for his age. He has been coached by some of the best football minds in the country, including his family members and mentors, which has helped him develop a deep understanding of the nuances of the quarterback position.

Manning’s ability to read defenses, adjust his throws based on what he sees, and make quick decisions in the pocket is already advanced for a freshman quarterback. His decision-making ability has often been described as “second nature,” a quality that has helped him excel in high school and will be critical as he steps into the college ranks. With a deep knowledge of the game’s intricacies, Manning has the capacity to process information faster than many quarterbacks his age, giving him a strategic edge when it comes to operating the offense.

By comparison, Quinn Ewers, despite his physical talents, struggled at times with decision-making and consistency. There were stretches where his throws were late, behind receivers, or misread entirely, something that plagued his performance in critical games. As a result, Ewers was often unable to keep momentum going for the Longhorns. Manning, with his superior football IQ and quicker decision-making ability, could avoid these pitfalls and guide Texas to sustained success.

3. Leadership and Poise Under Pressure

While it’s often easy to overlook, leadership is one of the most important qualities a quarterback can possess. The best quarterbacks—whether it’s Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, or Patrick Mahomes—are known not only for their physical ability but also for their leadership. Great leaders can rally their team in tough moments, inspire confidence, and keep everyone focused on the task at hand.

Arch Manning has the charisma and poise to lead the Texas Longhorns on and off the field. His maturity, despite being only 18 years old, has been praised by coaches and teammates alike. Arch has an innate ability to lead by example, and his confidence in his abilities allows his teammates to believe in him during high-pressure situations. He plays the game with a calmness that makes those around him feel confident, even when the stakes are highest.

In contrast, Ewers was a player who seemed to struggle with consistency in his leadership, especially in key moments. While his talents were undeniable, his leadership abilities were sometimes questioned. As a quarterback, establishing trust and confidence with teammates is essential, and Manning seems to have that natural leadership quality that Ewers never quite demonstrated consistently at Texas.

Manning’s ability to remain poised under pressure will be invaluable for Texas as they aim to make a deep run in the College Football Playoff. He is likely to find himself in tight, high-pressure games, and his leadership could be the key factor in helping the Longhorns overcome those challenges.

The Arch Manning Advantage: A Path to the National Championship

For Texas fans, the excitement surrounding Arch Manning isn’t just about the promise of a talented quarterback; it’s about the opportunity to finally return to the pinnacle of college football. The Longhorns have long been in pursuit of a national championship, and while Ewers showed flashes of potential, Manning represents the kind of complete package that could elevate Texas back to the top.

Arch Manning’s advantage lies not only in his talent but in his mental fortitude, football intelligence, poise under pressure, and leadership. These qualities make him the ideal quarterback for Texas at this critical juncture in their history. The Longhorns have one of the most talented rosters in the country, and with Manning at the helm, they have the potential to make a legitimate run at the national championship.

As Texas enters the 2025 season with Manning under center, the excitement surrounding the program is at an all-time high. Arch Manning is not just the next star quarterback for the Longhorns; he is a quarterback with the rare combination of skills, mentality, and leadership that could finally bring Texas the elusive national title they’ve been chasing for over 15 years. The comparison to Quinn Ewers will be inevitable, but for Texas fans, Manning’s ability to perform under pressure, make smart decisions, and lead with poise will be the difference-maker in the pursuit of college football’s ultimate prize.

Arch Manning’s one significant advantage is the key factor that sets him apart, and Texas supporters are hoping it will lead them to the national championship that has long eluded the program.