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

As the Texas Longhorns prepare for the 2025 college football season, the excitement surrounding the program has reached a fever pitch. With Arch Manning, the highly-touted quarterback recruit from the Manning family, taking the reins as the team’s quarterback, the stakes have never been higher. Texas supporters, who have long awaited a return to national championship glory, are understandably excited about the possibilities with Manning under center. But as much as the hype surrounding the five-star recruit has dominated headlines, there’s a deeper narrative unfolding — one that revolves around the advantages that Manning brings to the table, especially when compared to his predecessor, Quinn Ewers.

While both Manning and Ewers were highly-regarded as quarterbacks in their respective recruiting cycles, there’s one significant advantage that Manning holds — an advantage that could be a game-changer in Texas’ pursuit of a national championship. This advantage isn’t purely about talent or physical skills; it’s something deeper, more intangible. Arch Manning has inherited a unique set of circumstances, tools, and support systems that position him to succeed in ways that Ewers did not. And it all begins with the structure, culture, and stability that has now taken root within the Texas football program under Steve Sarkisian.

This article will explore how Manning’s distinct advantages give him a unique opportunity to lead Texas to national title contention, highlighting the contrasts between Manning and Ewers in terms of their football environment, mentality, coaching support, and developmental trajectory.

Arch Manning vs. Quinn Ewers: The Talent Debate

At the surface level, the comparison between Arch Manning and Quinn Ewers could be seen as a debate about pure talent. Both players have elite arm strength, mobility, and the ability to make all the throws at the college level, which is why both were heavily recruited out of high school. But while they share many physical traits, the differences between them become evident when considering their backgrounds, the programs they were part of, and the roles they played during their first years in college football.

Quinn Ewers: The Highly-Touted, Yet Unstable Start

When Quinn Ewers first committed to Texas in 2021, he quickly became the centerpiece of a new era for the Longhorns under head coach Steve Sarkisian. His high school career at Southlake Carroll was a spectacle, with Ewers being heralded as a generational talent who could bring Texas back to prominence. He was considered one of the top quarterback recruits of the 2022 recruiting class, and expectations were immediately sky-high.

However, Ewers’ journey to Texas was anything but smooth. After enrolling early and going through a bumpy freshman season in 2022, which included some turnover issues, Ewers struggled with consistency. He showed flashes of his immense potential — a rocket arm and the ability to make beautiful downfield throws — but he also had moments of indecision, missed reads, and inaccuracy, especially in high-pressure situations. His performance in the Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma, where he was injured early in the game, is a good example of the unpredictability that plagued his first year.

Moreover, the instability within the program — inconsistent offensive line play, lack of consistent weapons at wide receiver, and the ongoing rebuilding process under Sarkisian — only exacerbated the growing pains Ewers faced. Ewers’ struggles were compounded by the fact that the Texas offense itself was still undergoing transformation, leaving him with fewer tools to succeed immediately.

Arch Manning: Entering a Program on the Rise

In contrast, Arch Manning enters a vastly different situation. The nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch comes from a football family steeped in tradition and success. But it’s not just his pedigree that has excited Texas fans — it’s the environment around him. When Manning officially joined Texas in 2023, there was already a marked difference in the program’s trajectory compared to Ewers’ arrival.

First, Manning is stepping into a program that is more stable than it was when Ewers took over. Sarkisian has had more time to implement his system, and the team has developed a stronger foundation both on offense and defense. Manning’s time in high school also prepared him for a smoother transition. Unlike Ewers, who had to adjust quickly after a turbulent start at Ohio State, Manning has had a more gradual development with a clear path forward at Texas. His reputation as a quarterback who is calm under pressure and adept at reading defenses only adds to the belief that Manning is prepared to be the face of the Longhorns’ resurgence.

But the key advantage that Manning holds over Ewers lies in the quarterback development system that has been built around him — and it’s this system that could make the difference in Texas’ quest for a national championship.

The Significant Advantage: Stability and Development

The most significant advantage that Arch Manning possesses over Quinn Ewers is the support system around him. When Manning committed to Texas, the program was coming off a season in which it showed signs of life, especially under Sarkisian’s offensive philosophy. With Ewers’ ups and downs already in the rearview mirror, Manning is coming into a team that has adjusted to the realities of a top-tier football program and is now much more stable than it was in 2022.

Quarterback Development with Steve Sarkisian

One of the key factors in Manning’s potential success is the role of Steve Sarkisian as the head coach and offensive coordinator. Sarkisian is widely regarded as one of the best offensive minds in college football and has a proven track record of developing quarterbacks who succeed at the next level. He is known for his ability to mold young quarterbacks, and with Manning, Sarkisian has the opportunity to fine-tune a player with exceptional potential.

Under Sarkisian’s guidance, Ewers showed glimpses of the elite-level quarterback that many expected, but the inconsistency ultimately hurt his development. Manning, however, enters an offense that is more polished and tailored to his skill set. Sarkisian is adept at creating quarterback-friendly systems that emphasize accuracy, deep passing, and the ability to read defenses — all traits that align with Manning’s strengths. With Sarkisian’s coaching, Manning will likely receive the best possible development throughout his college career.

Building Around Manning: Roster and Support System

Another advantage Manning enjoys is the surrounding talent on the Texas roster. By the time Manning takes the field, Texas will be a well-rounded team with one of the most complete rosters in college football. Unlike Ewers, who had to make do with a young and somewhat inexperienced supporting cast, Manning will benefit from a more mature group of playmakers.

The wide receiver room, led by Xavier Worthy, Jordan Whittington, and an influx of young talent, provides Manning with a wealth of targets capable of making plays down the field. Jatavious Franklin, the highly-rated freshman tight end, is another weapon that Manning will have at his disposal. The offensive line is also much improved from the years prior, offering better protection and creating opportunities for the running game to flourish.

Additionally, the defensive unit under Pete Kwiatkowski has become one of the strongest in the country, allowing Texas to remain competitive even in high-stakes games. Manning can trust that the defense will keep him in most games, enabling him to play with more confidence and less pressure to score on every possession.

The Path to a National Championship: Manning’s Role

With Arch Manning taking over as the quarterback, Texas has all the ingredients necessary for a national championship run. The program is steadily progressing under Sarkisian’s leadership, and with Manning at the helm, the Longhorns’ chances of success become even more promising. While Texas has the talent and the coaching, the question remains whether they can put everything together and emerge as one of the nation’s elite programs.

For Manning, this means focusing on executing at a high level and leading the Longhorns through some of the toughest games in the country. While the Big 12 remains highly competitive, the national stage is where Texas needs to shine. Manning’s ability to read defenses, his poise under pressure, and his leadership qualities will all be key factors in his success.

Arch Manning’s Advantage and Texas’ Title Hopes

The excitement surrounding Arch Manning’s arrival at Texas is palpable, and rightly so. The Longhorns have not only landed one of the most promising quarterbacks in recent history, but they’ve also established a supportive environment that will allow Manning to thrive. His unique advantage over Quinn Ewers is not just physical, but also mental and situational — a well-coached program, a strong supporting cast, and a clear path to development under Sarkisian’s tutelage.

For Texas fans, the future looks bright. With Manning leading the charge and the pieces of the puzzle falling into place, the Longhorns have a legitimate shot at a national championship in the near future. The expectations are high, but with Manning’s maturity, leadership, and the Longhorns’ talented roster, the program may finally be on the verge of reclaiming its place among the nation’s elite. The 2025 season promises to be an exciting one for Texas football

, and Manning could be the key to turning their championship dreams into reality.