Breaking News: Quinn Ewers Declares for NFL Draft, Setting the Stage for Arch Manning’s Rise
Live from Austin, Texas: Quinn Ewers, the Texas Longhorns’ star quarterback, has officially declared for the NFL Draft, opening the door for Arch Manning to step into the spotlight as Texas’ starting quarterback for the 2025 season. The move marks a significant transition for the Longhorns as they prepare for their second season in the SEC.
When Manning takes the field next fall, it won’t be his debut as Texas’ starter—that moment came in Week 4 against Louisiana-Monroe—but it will be his first full season as the team’s undisputed QB1.
Arch Manning’s 2024 Snapshot
This season, Manning saw action in 10 games, delivering a solid 61-of-90 passing performance for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and only two interceptions. On the ground, he added 108 rushing yards and four touchdowns. While impressive, the real test lies ahead for Manning, as he’s set to fill the void left by Ewers, who led the Longhorns to a remarkable 21-5 record, a Big 12 Championship, and two consecutive College Football Playoff (CFP) appearances, albeit falling in the semifinals both times.
The Road Ahead for Texas
Texas faces its second year in the SEC with a favorable 2024 schedule, avoiding powerhouses like Alabama, LSU, and Tennessee. The Longhorns’ only two losses before the CFP this season came at the hands of Georgia, in both the regular season and the SEC Championship.
Looking ahead to 2025, the schedule again appears manageable, with Georgia standing as the only Top 25 opponent in SEC play. However, Texas will kick off the season with a blockbuster Week 1 rematch against Ohio State, the same team that ousted them in the 2024 CFP semifinals. This matchup will likely set the tone for the Longhorns’ season.
Other opponents include Florida, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, Arkansas, and Texas A&M—none of which can be taken lightly. Manning’s experience, which so far includes starts against ULM and Mississippi State, will be tested against this mix of teams.
High Stakes for Manning
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Arch Manning. The Longhorns are widely expected to compete for an SEC Championship and another CFP berth. However, potential losses to Ohio State and Georgia could put Texas at risk of playing a CFP road game, unless they can secure the SEC crown.
Looking even further ahead, the 2026 season could see Texas facing a much tougher SEC slate, with matchups against Alabama, LSU, Ole Miss, or Tennessee. If Manning struggles against the relatively easier 2025 schedule, the Longhorns might find themselves in trouble when the competition intensifies.
Championship or Bust?
The buzz around Manning is palpable. With a last name that carries a storied legacy, anything short of a National Championship appearance might be seen as a letdown. If he can only match the success of Quinn Ewers, critics may question whether he lived up to the hype.
Stay tuned as we follow this story and the evolution of Arch Manning’s journey as the new face of Longhorns football!
