David Pollack Reveals If Texas is Better With Arch Manning Over Quinn Ewers
David Pollack Reveals If Texas is Better With Arch Manning Over Quinn Ewers
As the 2025 college football season approaches, one of the most significant storylines surrounding the University of Texas Longhorns is the quarterback situation. With two highly talented quarterbacks — Arch Manning and Quinn Ewers — vying for the starting position, questions have arisen about who gives Texas the best chance to succeed. This debate has been fueled by the enormous expectations surrounding both players, with Manning being the highly-touted recruit and Ewers already having a season of starting experience under his belt.
David Pollack, the former Georgia All-American and current ESPN analyst, is often called upon to provide insight into the most pressing college football questions. Recently, Pollack weighed in on the Texas quarterback debate, offering his perspective on whether the Longhorns are better off with Arch Manning or Quinn Ewers under center. As a respected voice in college football, Pollack’s take is one that resonates with fans and analysts alike.
In this article, we will explore Pollack’s views on the Texas quarterback battle and the factors that could influence whether Arch Manning or Quinn Ewers is the better choice for the Longhorns moving forward.
Arch Manning: The Heir to a Legendary Legacy
When Arch Manning committed to Texas in 2023, it was a seismic moment in college football. Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, came from a football family with deep-rooted traditions of success. His commitment to Texas sent shockwaves through the sport, not just because of his family ties, but due to his raw talent, football IQ, and immense potential.
A 5-star recruit and one of the most sought-after high school quarterbacks in recent memory, Manning had a standout high school career at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans. His physical attributes — a strong arm, impressive mobility, and size (standing at 6’4” and weighing around 215 pounds) — make him a prototypical modern-day quarterback. Manning is widely regarded as one of the best quarterback prospects to come out of high school in years, with many analysts believing he has the potential to be an NFL star.
Despite being a freshman heading into the 2024 season, Arch Manning carries an immense amount of hype. He is expected to eventually take the reins as Texas’ starting quarterback, but the question remains: will he be ready to start in 2024, or should he continue to develop behind Quinn Ewers for another year?
Quinn Ewers: The Experienced Leader
Quinn Ewers, a former 5-star recruit himself, came to Texas in 2022 after a brief stint at Ohio State. His transfer back to his home state was met with significant fanfare, and his debut season in 2022 brought high expectations. While Ewers showed flashes of brilliance, he also faced challenges, including injuries and inconsistent performances that ultimately held Texas back from reaching its full potential.
However, Ewers made significant strides during the 2023 season. He showcased his arm strength, quick release, and the ability to stretch the field with deep passes. Despite a few setbacks, including losses to top-tier opponents, Ewers ended the season with a strong showing, providing hope for the future of Texas football. His experience, while not as extensive as some of the top quarterbacks in the nation, gives him a certain level of maturity and understanding of what it takes to lead a team at the college level.
Heading into 2024, Ewers enters the season as the incumbent starter. His development during the 2023 season, coupled with his familiarity with Texas’ system, gives him an edge in terms of experience. Ewers, who has already started multiple games, brings a level of poise and leadership to the table that Manning, despite his immense talent, has yet to prove at the college level.
David Pollack’s Take on the Situation
David Pollack’s analysis of the Texas quarterback battle centers on several key factors, and he does not shy away from acknowledging the strengths and weaknesses of both Manning and Ewers. Pollack’s approach is rooted in a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of college football.
Pollack begins by acknowledging the obvious talent of Arch Manning. As a 5-star recruit with elite bloodlines, Manning has everything you could want in a quarterback prospect. “Arch Manning is the real deal,” Pollack says. “His physical tools, combined with his mental makeup, make him a generational talent. When you watch him on film, you see a quarterback with natural instincts and the ability to make every throw. He has that special ‘it’ factor.”
However, Pollack also emphasizes that raw talent alone doesn’t guarantee success at the college level. “It’s one thing to be a great high school quarterback,” Pollack explains, “but college football is a different animal. You have to be able to handle the speed of the game, the pressure of big moments, and the complexity of defensive schemes. Manning is going to have to learn how to deal with all of that. And it’s hard to teach that in practice — it only comes with experience.”
On the other hand, Pollack acknowledges that Quinn Ewers’ experience gives him an important edge over Manning. “Ewers is the more experienced guy,” Pollack notes. “He’s been through the fire. He’s played in big games, he’s faced adversity, and he’s learned from his mistakes. In a game like college football, experience matters. You can’t simulate it, and it’s hard to put a price on that.”
Pollack also highlights Ewers’ progress in 2023. “Ewers took some big steps forward last season,” he says. “He became more consistent, and he showed he could make the deep throws that Texas needs. That’s a big deal. With another year under his belt, I think Ewers could really take off in 2024. He’s not the finished product yet, but he’s got the tools and the potential to be great.”
The Case for Arch Manning Starting in 2024
Despite Pollack’s endorsement of Ewers’ experience, he does not dismiss the possibility of Arch Manning starting for Texas in 2024. Pollack acknowledges that Manning’s upside is undeniable, and that the hype surrounding him is justified. “Manning is going to push Ewers,” Pollack says. “When you have a talent like him sitting behind you, you can’t rest on your laurels. It could be a healthy competition for the job. Manning could be ready to take over sooner rather than later, and there’s always a chance that he could win the job in fall camp.”
Pollack also notes that Manning’s ability to learn from the sidelines and develop behind a more experienced quarterback like Ewers could be invaluable for his long-term success. “Sometimes, the best thing for a young quarterback is to sit and learn,” Pollack says. “It’s hard to develop when you’re thrown into the fire right away. Manning could benefit from having a year of apprenticeship under Ewers. He’ll have time to adjust to the speed of the game and refine his skills.”
Moreover, Pollack points out that Texas’ offensive system, under head coach Steve Sarkisian, is built to maximize the talent of the quarterback. “Sarkisian knows how to develop quarterbacks. He’s done it with guys like Mac Jones and Bryce Young at Alabama. If Manning is the guy, Sarkisian will know how to put him in the best position to succeed.”
The Case for Quinn Ewers Starting in 2024
On the other side of the debate, Pollack makes a compelling argument for Quinn Ewers retaining the starting role in 2024. “Ewers has earned the right to be the starter,” Pollack asserts. “He’s done the hard work. He’s had the ups and downs, and he’s come out of it with more experience and maturity. I think if you throw him in there for a full season in 2024, he could be the guy who takes Texas to new heights.”
Pollack also highlights the importance of continuity in a team’s quarterback position. “The quarterback is the leader of the offense. If you keep switching guys in and out, it can disrupt the rhythm of the team,” Pollack says. “I think Ewers gives Texas the stability they need in 2024. He’s got the experience, and with the talent around him, he could take this team to the next level.”
