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Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian has been as clear as he can be. Sarkisian is sticking with redshirt junior Quinn Ewers as his starting quarterback over redshirt freshman Arch Manning -- even though fans and analysts continue to take issue with Ewers' performances and consistency.
As Texas prepares for its College Football Playoff quarterfinal in Atlanta against Arizona State, the Longhorns quarterbacks continue to work in the shadow of controversy, with Ewers recently making his own feelings clear about Manning -- the 19-year-old who, sooner than later, will take over as Texas' QB1.
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Ewers warned to declare or transfer
Ewers has long been expected to enter the 2025 NFL Draft, but he has yet to make a public statement about his future -- whereas Carson Beck, the currently-injured starter at Southeastern Conference rival Georgia, has confirmed his intention to enter April's draft.
In light of Ewers' delay, ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has issued a warning to Ewers: if he wants to play one more year of college football, he will have to do so elsewhere, because Texas is "ready" to usher in the Arch Manning era. And Ewers appears to have conceded as much in response to a question he was asked on Saturday.
"He's definitely grown and matured for sure to be able to be successful at Texas," Ewers said of Manning.
Though Ewers is set to start the Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Manning is likely to be called upon in short-yardage situations where his legs will offer a genuine threat that contrasts with Ewers' strong arm. And amid Texas' continuing controversy under center, Arizona State is preparing game plans that would slow down the Longhorns' offense no matter who is playing quarterback. The Sun Devils know they are sizable underdogs, and the Big 12 champions have to prepare for all possibilities in order to take advantage of any slipups from one of the Playoff's two SEC representatives.