In his farewell message to Quinn Ewers, Steve Sarkisian explains why he was always ahead of Arch Manning.

In college football, quarterback battles are often some of the most scrutinized and anticipated aspects of a program’s yearly preparation. Whether it’s due to talent, potential, or the ability to handle the pressure of playing at a top-tier program, the decision about who will take the reins at quarterback is a crucial one. For the Texas Longhorns, this dynamic played out in a very public way as Steve Sarkisian navigated the future of his quarterback room, balancing the development of Quinn Ewers with the arrival of Arch Manning, one of the most highly sought-after quarterbacks in recent memory.

In a heartfelt farewell message to Quinn Ewers, following his decision to declare for the NFL Draft, Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns, offered not only words of gratitude but also a reflection on Ewers’ time at Texas and how the decision to go with him as the starter over Manning was not just a product of talent, but also of growth, leadership, and the larger picture for the program. Sarkisian’s message shed light on the relationship he built with Ewers, the decision-making process behind why he was always a step ahead of Manning, and why the Longhorns’ future remained bright even as a new chapter began.

The Rise of Quinn Ewers: A Promise Fulfilled

When Quinn Ewers first arrived at Texas, his reputation preceded him. Having been ranked as the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2022 class by many recruiting services, Ewers was touted as the future face of the Longhorns’ program. His arm strength, ability to make all the throws, and his high school tape suggested a player capable of transforming Texas back into a national contender.

However, despite Ewers’ immense potential, his early days in Austin weren’t without challenges. After spending one season at Ohio State as a backup, Ewers transferred to Texas, eager to make an immediate impact. But as any college football fan knows, the transition to starting quarterback at a major program isn’t always seamless. Ewers had to adapt to a new system, build chemistry with his receivers, and adjust to the speed and complexity of college defenses. His early performances were a mixed bag, and many fans questioned whether he could live up to the hype.

The 2023 season marked a turning point for Ewers. He started to show flashes of the quarterback Texas fans had been hoping for, showcasing his ability to make explosive plays downfield, as well as demonstrating maturity and leadership in tight situations. Throughout the year, Ewers became the engine that powered the Longhorns’ offense, leading them to important victories and setting the stage for a successful campaign.

However, the arrival of Arch Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, added a layer of intrigue and competition to the quarterback situation at Texas. While Ewers had already established himself as the starting quarterback, the presence of Manning — a generational talent in his own right — prompted many to wonder how the two quarterbacks would coexist in the same room and how Sarkisian would handle the competition.

Sarkisian’s Message: Acknowledging the Difficult Choice

In his farewell message to Ewers, Steve Sarkisian addressed the dynamic that existed in the quarterback room over the past few seasons and the difficult decision that he had to make regarding the starting job. Sarkisian’s words were filled with appreciation for what Ewers brought to the program and how his development mirrored the overall growth of the team. But more importantly, Sarkisian took the time to explain the thought process behind why Ewers was always ahead of Arch Manning, despite Manning’s high-profile arrival.

1. The Importance of Development and Experience

Sarkisian began by acknowledging that while both quarterbacks were immensely talented, the decision was always about the best interests of the team. He explained that when Ewers arrived at Texas, he was not only inheriting the title of “starting quarterback” but also the responsibility of developing into a leader. Sarkisian noted that Ewers was given the opportunity to mature and gain real in-game experience, something that would prove invaluable for his future success.

Sarkisian emphasized that experience in game situations played a major role in why Ewers was always ahead of Manning. “Arch Manning is an incredibly gifted young man, but there’s no substitute for experience,” Sarkisian said. “Quinn had that, and it’s why he earned the job. His development from year one to year two was exactly what we needed to move this program forward.”

Ewers, in his time as the starter, had to contend with defenses that were built around stopping him and a growing spotlight as a high-profile player for Texas. With that came the pressure to perform, to lead, and to keep the team focused. While Manning’s talent was clear, Sarkisian understood that the level of competition Ewers faced would ultimately shape him into the leader that Texas needed to return to prominence.

2. Leadership and Composure Under Pressure

Another key point that Sarkisian made in his message was about leadership. Ewers’ ability to take control of the offense and rally his teammates when things weren’t going according to plan became one of his defining traits during his time at Texas. Sarkisian was quick to highlight how Ewers matured into that role and how his confidence grew as he led the team through some pivotal moments during the season.

“There were moments this season when the game was on the line, and it was Quinn who stepped up,” Sarkisian said. “His ability to stay composed and get the team into the right position is what set him apart. He showed us exactly what kind of leader he was, and that’s why we trusted him.”

In contrast, Sarkisian noted that Arch Manning, though possessing immense talent, was still learning how to handle the complexities of playing at the highest level. For Manning, the transition from high school to college was going to take time, and Sarkisian understood that it wasn’t just about what Manning could do with his arm, but also about how he would handle adversity, pressure, and the leadership aspect that came with being the starting quarterback for Texas.

3. Trusting the Process and Team Needs

As the quarterback battle played out throughout the season, Sarkisian also made it clear that it wasn’t just about personal development but also about the needs of the team. Texas was coming off a period of instability at the quarterback position, and it was imperative to have someone who could command the offense, adapt to game situations, and build chemistry with the wide receivers.

Sarkisian stated, “Quinn was ahead of Arch because, from day one, he understood the team concept. We needed someone who could not only manage the offense but also build trust with our players. As a coach, it’s about making sure that you put your team in the best position to succeed, and Quinn did that.”

While Manning’s skill set was undoubtedly impressive, it was clear that Sarkisian needed a quarterback who was ready to shoulder the responsibility of leading the program, and that player was Quinn Ewers. Manning, on the other hand, would have his time, but for now, Sarkisian trusted that Ewers was the right choice for the present moment.

Why Ewers Was Always Ahead of Manning: The Bigger Picture

Ultimately, the decision to go with Ewers over Manning was not a knock on Manning’s potential or future. It was simply a matter of timing and fit. Sarkisian knew that Manning would eventually take over the program, but at that moment, the combination of Ewers’ experience, his leadership ability, and his ability to execute Sarkisian’s offense made him the better choice.

Ewers’ journey was far from linear, but his ability to grow and adapt, his leadership in crucial moments, and his ability to gel with his teammates were factors that allowed him to remain ahead of Manning. Sarkisian understood that the future was bright with both quarterbacks in the fold, but the present required a quarterback who could execute and bring Texas closer to their goals.

In the end, Sarkisian’s message was a testament to the importance of leadership, development, and the timing of each player’s career. It wasn’t about overshadowing one quarterback by another but about making decisions that were best for the program’s success.

Looking Forward: A Bright Future with Arch Manning

As Steve Sarkisian said his goodbyes to Quinn Ewers, it was also clear that the future of Texas football was in good hands with Arch Manning. Manning’s arrival marks the beginning of a new era for the Longhorns, and Sarkisian made sure to underscore his excitement about what Manning could bring to the table in the coming seasons.

“Arch has a great deal of promise,” Sarkisian said. “He’s incredibly mature for his age, and I can’t wait to see how he develops into the quarterback we know he can be. We have a bright future ahead with him, and the program is in a strong position to continue its growth.”

As Ewers takes the next step in his professional career, it’s clear that Texas football has made significant strides under Steve Sarkisian’s leadership. While Ewers may have been the right choice for now, Arch Manning’s time will come. And with a strong foundation in place, Texas football is primed for continued success in the seasons to come.