Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said Monday that quarterback Quinn Ewers returned to practice during the top-ranked Longhorns’ bye week and that he feels good about the veteran’s availability for Saturday’s Red River Rivalry showdown against No. 18 Oklahoma. This comes a week after Horns247 reported that Ewers — who injured his oblique Sept. 14 in the first half against UTSA — is on track to take the field as the starter against the Sooners. Texas is 16-1 over the past two regular seasons, with the only loss against Oklahoma in 2023.
Ewers’ return sends Arch Manning back to the bench after what Manning described on Instagram as a “fun few weeks.” That Ewers would reclaim his job after Manning’s dynamic 10 quarters of football is a foregone conclusion for Longhorns fans, but not everybody sees it that way.
All it took was one pro-Manning tweet from Mike Renner, a CBS Sports NFL and NFL Draft analyst, to spur an email chain between Renner and national college football reporter Chris Hummer, a Texas alumnus who lives in Austin.
Hummer is adamant Quinn Ewers should remain Texas’ starter for the remainder of the season, barring further injury. Renner, who worked at Pro Football Focus before joining CBS, is in the Team Arch camp as the Longhorns chase their first national championship since 2005.
From: Mike Renner
Subject: Why Arch Should Start
Hey Chris,
I get it — Texas is in a great position at quarterback. You could go with the proven guy, Quinn Ewers, who’s likely to be a first-rounder next spring and could be a QB1. I actually have Ewers going third overall in my mock draft this week. But Texas’ goal is to win the national championship and the roster is absolutely stacked. So the Longhorns want whichever quarterback gives them the best chance of winning the title. Arch Manning looks like that guy to me.
Manning’s performance against Mississippi State — 26 for 31 for 328 yards and two touchdowns in Texas’ inaugural SEC game — and in action vs. UTSA and Louisiana Monroe was enough to show he’s ready, and his dual-threat ability brings a dynamic Ewers just doesn’t have.
Arch gives Texas an athletic edge that could really change the game. That 67-yard rush against UTSA? It more than doubled anything Ewers has managed on the ground. Imagine what a true running threat does for this offense.
From: Chris Hummer
Subject: Re: Why Arch Should Start
Hey, I hear you — and I certainly saw your tweet! — but I have to disagree. There’s really no debate about QB1 in Austin. It’s Ewers, and it should be.
Quinn’s not just reliable; he’s been exceptional. He’s 14-2 as a starter with road wins over Alabama and Michigan. He led Texas to a Big 12 title and nearly got them to the national championship game. That kind of experience is invaluable, and it’s something Arch just doesn’t have yet.
Ewers is plenty capable of making plays, and he’s shown poise and command in the pocket that takes years to develop.
From: Renner
Subject: Re: Why Arch Should Start
I get what you’re saying about experience, but did that matter when Trevor Lawrence won the national championship as a true freshman in 2019? Or when Jameis Winston won it as a redshirt freshman in 2013? What about even Tua Tagovailoa coming off the bench in the second half of the 2018 national championship to win Alabama the game, where he was clearly the better option over the elder Jalen Hurts?
I just think Manning brings something special that’s impossible to ignore. He’s already shown he can be aggressive and effective down the field. Eight deep completions in just two games is no joke. He’s got a bigger arm than Ewers and isn’t afraid to use it.
Ewers doesn’t scare defenses with his legs the way Arch does, and that’s huge. Defenses have to prepare for that. Numbers advantage, spies, less man coverage—it all adds up, especially against elite teams. He has high-level traits that would be tantalizing for Steve Sarkisian to unlock, especially this year with sick talent at wide receiver and SEC.
Comparing Quinn Ewers, Arch Manning through 2024
| Player | Team | Status | Completion % | Passing YPA | Pass TD | INT | Pass Efficiency | Recent Performances |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinn Ewers | Texas | Expected to start (abdomen) | 73% | 8.7 | 8 | 2 | N/A | 16 straight games with 1+ pass TD |
| Arch Manning | Texas | Active | 70.5 | 11.6 | 9 | 2 | 200.5 (No. 2 in FBS) | 10 total TD over last 3 games (8 pass, 2 rush) |
From: Hummer
Subject: Re: Why Arch Should Start
You make good points about Manning’s athleticism. He may be one of the fastest players on the team. Ewers can’t touch that, but let’s not forget that Ewers has immense talent and traits, too. He was ranked AHEAD of Caleb Williams in the 2021 class despite reclassifying and missing his entire season. He was a No. 1 overall player in his class, just like Manning.
Plus, familiarity with the system matters. Quinn’s in Year 3 with Sarkisian, and you can’t replace that comfort level. Manning’s got talent, no doubt, but he’s still learning, still adjusting. Quinn’s been there and done that, and he’s only getting better. I know you watched Ewers’ tape against Michigan. He was exceptional and left that game as the Heisman favorite. Before he got hurt a week later vs. UTSA, he was spinning towards a career-best completion percentage (73.4).
By the way, I think Quinn’s deep ball has gone from point of concern to underrated strength. His PFF grade on passes of 20-plus yards is actually higher than Arch’s this season. He’s just been in different game situations, and it hasn’t called for as much downfield volume.
From: Renner
Subject: Re: Why Arch Should Start
The experience edge definitely goes to Quinn, and yes, that counts for a lot, especially in close games. I just think Arch’s potential is something Texas has to consider.
I’m not saying Ewers isn’t great—he’s been superb. But if we’re talking about the highest possible ceiling, Arch — his athleticism, aggressiveness, and early flashes of brilliance hint all in one incredible package — might be the guy who Texas needs to beat the likes of other Super Teams across the college football landscape come January.
From: Hummer
Subject: Re: Why Arch Should Start
I respect that. But right now, the consistency Quinn brings can’t be overlooked. He’s already shown he can handle the pressure and lead this team against top competition. We all want the best chance at a title, and I still think Quinn is the guy who gives Texas that edge this year.
Arch will have his time, no doubt. For now, though, I think Ewers should continue leading this offense. The coaches, the fans, even Arch himself know that it’s Quinn’s job for a reason.
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