A handful of quarterbacks have led the Texas Longhorns to the brink of a national championship appearance. Quinn Ewers is one of those quarterbacks, and that’s the reason one college football analyst doesn’t think there’s any quarterback controversy in Austin.
The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman and sports radio and television host Rich Eisen discussed the Texas quarterback room, Arch Manning’s development and the confidence the Longhorns should have in Quinn Ewers among other topics on the Rich Eisen Show.
The prevailing takeaways begin with the confidence that Ewers is the starter. Feldman discussed all that the signal caller accomplished in the 2023 season as reason not to consider making a move.
In his own right, Manning looks like he’s ready to go should he have to play. Because of that, the college football analyst believes head coach Steve Sarkisian should be happy with the loaded quarterback room.
Feldman discussed what would happen if Texas were to be upset by Michigan and what would happen if Arch played well in Ewers’ absence among other potential scenarios.
Here’s a look at five of the best quotes Feldman had on Texas, Ewers, Manning and Steve Sarkisian.
On Arch Manning's timetable
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up ahead of the Longhorns’ spring Orange and White game at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, April 20, 2024.
“I think it hasn’t changed. … There’s just more fan excitement about Arch Manning, ’cause now they’ve seen it, as opposed to just heard about, ‘Oh, he was a five-star and he’s the next Manning.’”
On a potential quarterback switch
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) warms up ahead of the Longhorns’ game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin.
“If (the Michigan Wolverines) get after Ewers and pull what I think a lot of people would look at as an upset, given all that Michigan had, does Steve Sarkisian go, ‘Uh, maybe I make a (change)?’
I just don’t think that’s going to happen. I think the one way Arch gets in there next year, this coming year, is if there’s a quarterback injury.”
Quarterback room is a positive
Texas Longhorns quarter backs Arch Manning during spring practice at the Frank Denius practice fields in Austin, Tuesday, March 19, 2024.
“What you’re looking at right now, I think, is a really good quarterback room for Texas. You have a proven starter who they keep working with who last year, going into the last year, learned to become more of a leader … and you have a really promising young player who’s really smart and very athletic, and has blossomed more as a passer. I think this is a great situation for Sark, and I think it’s a great situation for Arch.”
If Manning has to play
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) looks for a pass while warming up ahead of the Longhorns’ spring Orange and White game at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, April 20, 2024.
“I’m saying that they’re probably going to be pretty confident, if Quinn Ewers gets hurt like he has the last two years, that Arch Manning can run the offense, make plays if he has to and can get rid of the ball. I think they’re very confident in that.”
Why Texas wouldn't make a change
Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) runs the ball during the Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff semifinals game against the Washington Huskies at the Caesars Superdome on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
“If Quinn Ewers wasn’t a two year starter and didn’t almost lead them to the national title game, if he was just a run-of-the-mill (starter), I think it would be a little more drama into it. But this is a guy who, again, they were really good last year, and he has developed. I’m not saying, you know, I don’t think he’s Caleb (Williams) and I don’t think he’s like some (other) quarterbacks, but he’s talented.”
