If Texas Has Arch Manning Better Than Quinn Ewers, David Pollack Says

The Texas Longhorns have found themselves in the middle of one of the most intriguing quarterback debates in college football. With Quinn Ewers returning as the incumbent starter and Arch Manning—one of the most hyped quarterback prospects in recent history—waiting in the wings, the discussion surrounding who should lead Texas into the future has intensified. ESPN analyst and former Georgia Bulldogs star David Pollack recently weighed in, suggesting that if Arch Manning is better than Quinn Ewers, the Longhorns need to make the switch without hesitation.

The Ewers vs. Manning Debate

Quinn Ewers, a former five-star recruit and the No. 1 quarterback in the 2021 class, transferred to Texas from Ohio State and quickly established himself as the team’s leader. In the 2023 season, he showed flashes of brilliance, leading the Longhorns to key victories and demonstrating the arm talent that made him a sought-after prospect. However, injuries and occasional inconsistency left room for debate about whether Texas had already found its long-term answer at quarterback.

Enter Arch Manning. The nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch was the top quarterback recruit in the 2023 class, carrying immense expectations. He arrived in Austin with the pressure of his family name and the potential to be the next great college football quarterback. Though he spent his freshman season learning behind Ewers, the buzz surrounding his talent has only grown.

David Pollack’s Take: Play the Best Quarterback, No Matter What

David Pollack, known for his straightforward analysis, has made it clear that Texas should not hesitate to start Arch Manning if he proves to be the superior quarterback. In a recent discussion, Pollack said, “If Arch Manning is better than Quinn Ewers, then you play him. It’s as simple as that. You don’t sit the better quarterback just because the other guy was here first.”

Pollack emphasized that in today’s college football landscape, where elite programs compete at the highest level, there is no room for sentimental decisions. If Texas wants to win a national championship, they must field the best player at every position, and that includes quarterback.

Breaking Down the Competition

While both Ewers and Manning are incredibly talented, they bring different strengths to the table:

• Quinn Ewers possesses a cannon of an arm and has already gained valuable experience in Steve Sarkisian’s system. He has proven he can handle big-game pressure, but his decision-making and consistency have occasionally been questioned.
• Arch Manning, though less experienced, has been praised for his poise, football IQ, and ability to make plays under duress. He might not have Ewers’ experience yet, but if he develops quickly, the competition could get interesting.

Sarkisian’s Dilemma: Experience vs. Potential

Head coach Steve Sarkisian has a difficult decision ahead. On one hand, Ewers has been the starter and has led the team successfully. On the other, Manning represents the future of the program. If Manning outperforms Ewers in practice and offseason workouts, the coaching staff must consider whether to make a change.

Texas has championship aspirations, especially with its move to the SEC. Sarkisian’s job is to put the best player on the field, and if Manning surpasses Ewers in development, the decision will become clearer.

What This Means for the Longhorns’ Future

If Arch Manning does eventually take over, it would signal a new era for Texas football. His arrival was a statement that the Longhorns are serious about competing with college football’s elite. However, if Ewers retains his spot and continues to develop, Texas still has a quarterback capable of leading them to success.

Pollack’s take is simple but powerful: the best player should play. If Arch Manning proves to be better than Quinn Ewers, Texas has a decision to make, and delaying it could cost them their shot at a national championship.