The Longhorns are expected to be more “dangerous” with Arch Manning as Texas football’s quarterback, rather than Quinn Ewers.

As the Texas Longhorns prepare for the 2025 college football season, all eyes are on the quarterback position. While Quinn Ewers has been a highly touted prospect for Texas, the narrative around the program has been shifting as Arch Manning, the crown jewel of the 2023 recruiting class, enters his second year at the university. Many experts and insiders are now projecting that the Longhorns may be “more dangerous” with Manning at the helm, instead of Ewers, who has struggled with inconsistency and injury throughout his tenure.

Arch Manning, the highly anticipated quarterback from New Orleans, has quickly become the future of Texas football. The Manning family legacy—comprising of his uncles Peyton and Eli Manning, both of whom had illustrious NFL careers—has created immense expectations for the young quarterback. But more than just the family name, Manning’s skills on the field have caught the attention of college football fans, analysts, and coaches alike. Though the decision to make Manning the starter over Ewers has not been officially made as of now, the consensus among many experts is that Texas would be better served by turning the reins over to Manning, particularly when evaluating the potential upside of his play compared to Ewers’ inconsistent performances.

This article will explore why the Texas Longhorns are expected to be a more “dangerous” team with Arch Manning as the starting quarterback, and how his unique talents, combined with the current state of the team, could unlock a level of success that hasn’t been fully realized with Ewers.

1. Arch Manning’s Elite Talent and Upside

Arch Manning’s skill set is among the best Texas has ever seen. Although he is just starting his college career, his high school pedigree and performance have placed him at the top of most quarterback rankings. Manning was ranked as the No. 1 quarterback prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, with comparisons being made to the greatest to ever play the position. His combination of size, arm strength, mobility, and football IQ puts him in an elite tier, one that many believe will quickly translate to success in college football.

Manning has the size (6’4″, 215 pounds) and arm strength to make all the necessary throws at the college level, from deep bombs down the field to short, pinpoint passes over the middle. His arm strength gives the Texas offense the ability to stretch the field vertically, making it difficult for defenses to predict what’s coming next. In addition to his physical traits, Manning’s football IQ and ability to read defenses are exceptional. He has been praised for his poise in the pocket and his ability to make quick, accurate decisions under pressure. His ability to go through progressions and make quick reads means that he can thrive in Steve Sarkisian’s fast-paced, high-powered offense.

Ewers, while talented, has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency. He has displayed his ability to make great throws, but his decision-making, accuracy, and command of the offense have been inconsistent at times. This has led many to question whether he can lead Texas to a championship, particularly as the Longhorns prepare to transition into the SEC, where the competition will be even tougher. Manning, on the other hand, has the tools to make an immediate impact and elevate Texas’ offense to the next level.

With Manning at quarterback, Texas’ offense could become a more versatile and unpredictable unit. The potential for explosive plays through the air would open up more opportunities in the running game, making the Longhorns’ offense even more difficult to stop.

2. A More Dynamic and High-Tempo Offense

Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, Texas has implemented an offense that relies on both an efficient passing game and the ability to establish the run. While Quinn Ewers has shown promise at times, his struggles with consistency have made it difficult for Sarkisian’s offense to reach its full potential. Arch Manning, with his ability to read defenses quickly and make accurate passes, has the potential to unlock Sarkisian’s offensive scheme in a way that Ewers has not yet been able to do.

Manning’s ability to operate at a high tempo would allow Texas to keep opposing defenses off balance. Sarkisian’s offense is designed to be fast-paced, with a focus on exploiting mismatches and using a variety of play-action schemes. Manning, with his excellent arm strength and deep ball accuracy, could turn this offense into one of the most dangerous in college football. If Manning is able to take control of the offense and master the playbook quickly, he could help Texas become a nightmare for opposing defenses. His ability to make all the necessary throws combined with his intelligence would allow Texas to sustain long drives, execute explosive plays, and quickly capitalize on opportunities when they arise.

In contrast, Ewers has been more erratic in his ability to maintain a consistent rhythm with Sarkisian’s offense. His struggles to manage the pace and tempo of games have sometimes resulted in frustrating turnovers or stalled drives, keeping the offense from reaching its full potential. Manning’s presence at quarterback could fix that issue and allow the Longhorns to put up more points on a regular basis.

3. Increased Explosiveness in the Passing Game

One of the most glaring reasons why Texas could be more dangerous with Arch Manning at quarterback is the potential for an even more explosive passing game. Texas already boasts a wealth of talented wide receivers, including Xavier Worthy, who has been one of the most dangerous deep threats in college football. With Manning’s ability to deliver deep throws with accuracy and velocity, Worthy and his fellow receivers would have the opportunity to make more big plays down the field.

Manning’s arm strength and touch on the deep ball would force opposing defenses to respect the full range of Texas’ offense. The threat of a deep shot would open up space for Texas’ intermediate and short-range routes, making it more difficult for defenses to stack the box or play aggressive coverage. Manning’s ability to stretch the field vertically, combined with his quick release and precision, would provide Texas with a much more potent passing game.

Ewers, while capable of making deep throws, has not consistently shown the accuracy and timing that Manning has demonstrated in high school and early practices at Texas. Manning’s ability to throw with touch and precision on deep routes is one of his most significant advantages. The Longhorns’ offense could become far more balanced and dangerous with a quarterback who can truly keep defenses guessing and make them pay for overcommitting in any one area.

4. Manning’s Leadership and Poise Under Pressure

Arch Manning’s maturity and leadership ability have been praised throughout his high school career. Despite the weight of the Manning family legacy and the intense pressure of being one of the most highly recruited quarterbacks in recent memory, Manning has shown remarkable poise and composure. His leadership style is one of quiet confidence, and he’s known for being a vocal leader in the locker room and on the field.

While Quinn Ewers has shown flashes of strong leadership, Manning’s ability to command a huddle and remain poised under pressure could be a defining factor in key moments. Whether it’s a high-pressure situation in a tight game or rallying his teammates after a turnover, Manning has the mentality and leadership qualities that could elevate the entire team. Leadership from the quarterback position is crucial in college football, especially in high-stakes games, and Manning’s presence could provide Texas with the stability and focus necessary to compete for championships.

Manning’s ability to stay calm in critical moments, along with his understanding of the game, could give Texas an edge in late-game situations, which is something that could propel them to new heights. His natural leadership could also be contagious, positively influencing the other players on the team.

5. The Longhorns’ Overall Talent Around Manning

While Arch Manning’s individual talents are impressive, one of the biggest reasons he would make Texas “more dangerous” is the overall talent around him. The Longhorns have a strong supporting cast that can help elevate Manning’s play. The combination of an elite receiving corps, a solid offensive line, and talented running backs gives Manning everything he needs to succeed.

Texas has a deep roster of talented players, including running back Jonathan Brooks, who has been a key contributor in the backfield. With a capable running game, Manning would have the opportunity to operate a balanced offense, mixing in play-action passes and making defenses defend every part of the field. Additionally, the offensive line has continued to improve, providing Manning with the protection needed to stay comfortable in the pocket.

On defense, the Longhorns are also expected to be solid, which would allow Manning to play with confidence, knowing that the defense can help keep the team in games. This all-around team strength would give Manning the support he needs to succeed in his first season as the starting quarterback.