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The quarterback battles to watch during 2023 spring football
TEXAS LONGHORNS
The Competition: Quinn Ewers vs. Arch Manning
This is the most high-profile competition of the offseason and it really isn’t even a competition. Yes, Manning is a five-star recruit and the most recognizable name in college football. But he’s not starting over Ewers. Did Ewers have his bouts of inconsistency during his first season as a starter? Absolutely. Is Ewers still one of the most talented quarterback prospects of a generation? Yep. Along with natural talent aside, Ewers has key experience in Steve Sarkisian’s system and isn’t making a huge jump in competition like Manning moving from lower division Louisiana football to the Big 12.
The “QB battle” on the Forty Acers will be an incessant talking point, but Manning knew what he was walking into picking Texas. Ewers might as well have been a giant flashing yellow light for Manning's career to slow down.
Ewers is going to start in 2023. Does he finish the season that way? That depends on his play. But as for a “spring QB battle,” don’t fall for the hype. This is Ewers’ job.
Just sayin': This competition could get interesting. Also, interesting article (below ↓) as to why Manning chose Texas, (apparently) it wasn't about the NIL money as it is for most 5 star recruits, he just wants to be a "college kid" and experience college life, etc.:
Why did Arch Manning choose Texas?
On3's Gerry Hamilton, Chad Simmons and Sam Spiegelman explain why Arch Manning has decided to commit to Texas.
Arch Manning chose Texas because of the city of Austin
College life is important to Arch, and the city of Austin, Texas, is one of the best college cities in the country.
“You have to also take into account he wanted to be a college kid,” Simmons said. “Austin is a great college town. It’s a great university, a lot of people, very diverse. I think he loved that part about it too.”
Manning has a low profile on social media and his coach calls him a humble kid. Being the BMOC as a freshman did not seem to be something he was looking to do.
Spiegelman notes that both Athens, Georgia, and Austin stood out as Manning’s favorite college towns.
“First off, I think, as a student, he loves the University of Texas,” Hamilton said. “He loves Austin. He loves that he can not be the biggest name in Austin. You have the Elon Musks of the world, the Joe Rogans of the world, Matthew McConaughey versus smaller college towns where he might have been the most popular guy.”
Manning had his official visit to Texas this past weekend, and Speigelman believes the trip answered Manning’s questions about the non-football aspect of his college experience.
“I think that ultimately is what drove not only Arch but mom and dad over the edge as well,” Speigelman said. “Life away from football has continued to be an element for Arch and Austin. And Texas both check those boxes for him. I think the official visit sort of cemented that for Texas leading into today.”
When you combined the city of Austin with the coaching staff and the relationship and trust in Sarkisian as a quarterback developer, Manning saw it as a perfect fit.
“When you marry it all together,” Hamilton said, “that’s why Arch is at Texas.”
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