The Texas Longhorns are focused on leaving their mark on the Big 12 in what will be their final season in the conference.
The Longhorns, along with Oklahoma, will have enormous targets on their back as everyone tries to get their last shots in before both head to the SEC next year.
Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian has already named Quinn Ewers the starting quarterback heading into the 2023 season.
However, should he falter in any consistent way, the noise will grow loud for freshman phenom Arch Manning to take the reins.
A (small) portion of fans think Manning should be the starter from the get-go. Those same fans think there’s a solid chance he ends up taking over for Ewers at some point during the season.
Apparently, they aren’t alone.. According to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg, an anonymous Big 12 assistant coach said he wouldn’t be surprised if Manning takes over for Ewers at some point this season.
“Last year, (Texas was) really solid at running back, so you don’t put a lot of pressure on your quarterback,” the coach noted, alluding to the successful run game led by departed star Bijan Robinson.
“I know he’s (Ewers) going to get a lot of hype and all that, but I don’t think he’s as good (as other Big 12 quarterbacks).” The coach went on to suggest that he would be keeping a close eye on Manning, hinting at the possibility of Manning eventually surpassing Ewers.
A Big 12 coordinator thinks Manning “could unseat” Ewers at some point, and I think expectations for Texas to be back are growing more than usual at this point in the offseason. https://t.co/r5ZJntQpwF
— emilyetaylor (@emilyetaylor23) August 13, 2023
Ewers, who threw for 15 touchdowns and six interceptions last season, faced challenges in the form of a lingering shoulder injury that hampered him throughout the season.
Despite this setback, he demonstrated flashes of brilliance that showed his strong potential.
However, the entry of highly touted prospect (and famous nephew) Arch Manning has thrown a new dynamic into the mix, leading to heightened anticipation regarding the future of the quarterback position at Texas.
Do you think Manning will replace Ewers at any point this season?
By all accounts, Ewers is more focused and motivated than ever. He probably hears all this chatter and is using it as fuel.
He’ll be playing on Sunday’s pretty soon, so he clearly has the talent. If Ewers plays up to his potential, Manning will have to wait until Texas joins the SEC before he takes a meaningful snap for the Longhorns.