The Texas Longhorns may have to look to redshirt freshman Arch Manning as a starter for the first time in his college career, as Heisman candidate Quinn Ewers is described as “questionable” for the upcoming game against Louisiana-Monroe. Ewers sustained a strained abdomen injury during the game against UTSA, which forced him to leave the game early. Despite initial discomfort, Ewers continued to play after sustaining the injury, but eventually had to be replaced by Manning as it became clear he could no longer continue. The injury is not a contact injury, but rather developed during a pass play followed by a hand-off.
If Ewers is unable to play, head coach Steve Sarkisian is likely confident in Manning’s abilities based on his performance in the game against UTSA. Manning showed promise by throwing four touchdowns and running for a 67-yard touchdown in his first significant playing time for the Longhorns. This successful performance has raised comparisons to former Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, indicating the potential for a successful future for Manning as a first-round draft pick.
Should Ewers be sidelined due to his injury, it will be the third consecutive season that he has missed playing time due to injury. In the 2023 season, Ewers missed two games with an AC joint sprain, but was replaced by Maalik Murphy rather than Manning. Murphy has since transferred to Duke University, leaving Manning as the likely replacement for Ewers in the upcoming game. Ewers’ status remains “week to week,” and the decision on who will lead the Longhorns’ offense against Louisiana-Monroe will be closely monitored.
The injury to Ewers and the potential for Manning to start highlight the importance of depth and talent in college football programs. Manning’s strong performance in relief of Ewers demonstrates the value of recruiting and developing talented quarterbacks to ensure that teams can continue to perform at a high level even in the absence of their starting quarterback. Sarkisian’s confidence in Manning to step in if needed reflects the Longhorns’ commitment to building a strong and resilient team with capable players at every position.
As the Longhorns prepare to face Louisiana-Monroe without a definitive decision on Ewers’ availability, the team will need to adjust their game plan and strategy accordingly. Manning may have the opportunity to showcase his skills and leadership as a starter for the first time, which could have implications for the team’s performance and future success. The evolving situation surrounding Ewers’ injury and Manning’s potential role as a starter adds intrigue to the upcoming game and highlights the unpredictability and challenges that teams face in college football. Fans and analysts will be closely watching to see how the Longhorns handle this situation and how Manning performs in his potential starting role.
