After two seasons spent developing behind Quinn Ewers, Texas quarterback Arch Manning is finally set to take the reins as the Longhorns’ full-time starter in 2025. As he prepares for the next chapter of his career, Manning has been absorbing advice from Ewers and head coach Steve Sarkisian about how to handle the spotlight in Austin.
With Ewers declaring for the NFL Draft after leading Texas to the College Football Playoff semifinals, the Longhorns are placing their faith in Manning, a highly touted recruit with an elite football pedigree.
Advice from Quinn Ewers and Coach Sarkisian
Following Texas’ Cotton Bowl loss to Ohio State, Manning reflected on a key conversation with Ewers in the locker room.
“Right after the Ohio State game, I was with Quinn in the locker room,” Manning told ESPN’s Marty Smith. “He was just like, ‘Enjoy every moment. It goes by quickly. So love on your teammates and have fun.'”
That advice holds weight coming from Ewers, who experienced the highs and lows of college football. After initially enrolling at Ohio State as a top-ranked recruit, Ewers transferred to Texas, where he became the face of the program for three seasons. He knows better than most that the college football experience flies by.
In addition to Ewers’ words of wisdom, Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian had a simple but important message for Manning as he steps into a leadership role.
“Coach Sark just told me to be myself, be a leader, and work hard, and it’ll all work out,” Manning shared.
While he mostly played a backup role in 2024, Manning did see action in multiple games, including two starts when Ewers was sidelined due to injury.
Manning led the Longhorns to victories over ULM and Mississippi State, showing flashes of his potential.
Looking back at his first college start, Manning admitted that he initially forced throws and took unnecessary risks.
“I think my first start against ULM, I kind of forced some shots downfield and was a little bit greedy,” Manning said. “But then the next week against Mississippi State, I settled in.”
While he was eager to keep playing, returning to the backup role after getting a taste of leading the offense was tough.
“The hardest part was you get a little taste of what it’s like and you love it. And then you go back to not playing. That was pretty tough,” he admitted.