Quinn Ewers Has a $30 Million Problem That Could Open the Door for Arch Manning at Texas…..
The University of Texas football program is entering a new phase of its post-2023 era, and the potential quarterback competition at the center of it all is garnering significant attention. Quinn Ewers, the talented yet inconsistent starting quarterback for the Longhorns, finds himself at a crossroads in his career, one that could have major ramifications for both his future and that of the program. At the heart of this issue is a staggering $30 million problem tied to his name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals — a situation that could ultimately pave the way for the highly touted Arch Manning to assume the starting role much sooner than expected.
Ewers’ rise to prominence began with a high-profile move to Texas from Southlake Carroll in 2021, following his decision to leave high school early and enroll at Ohio State University. The decision to skip his senior season and join the Buckeyes was part of a strategy to build his brand and enter the NFL Draft as quickly as possible. However, after one year in Columbus, Ewers transferred to Texas, a move that was largely motivated by the chance to start immediately for the Longhorns and return home to his native state.
In his first season as Texas’ starter in 2022, Ewers showed flashes of the raw talent that had made him one of the most highly anticipated recruits in recent memory. Despite a few growing pains — and some significant injuries — Ewers looked capable of leading the Longhorns to success. But 2023 was supposed to be the year he took that next step, the year where his immense potential finally translated into consistent play on the field.
Yet, as of mid-season, Ewers’ performance has been underwhelming at best, and his spot as Texas’ unquestioned starter is now being called into question. The reasons for this are multifaceted, but one of the biggest issues stems from his struggle to perform in key moments. The Longhorns, who began the season with high hopes, have faced inconsistency from their star quarterback, particularly in crucial games. A missed opportunity here and a failed execution there has led to questions about whether Ewers can live up to the expectations placed on him — both on the field and off of it.
The $30 Million Problem
At the center of this story is the modern reality of college football, where athletes now have the ability to monetize their names, images, and likenesses through NIL deals. Ewers, as a player with immense potential, became one of the first college athletes to secure a multi-million-dollar NIL deal, with estimates putting his value in the range of $30 million. This includes a mix of sponsorships, endorsements, and personal branding opportunities that are linked to his on-field success. Simply put, Ewers’ financial future is directly tied to his ability to perform for Texas.
However, as the season has unfolded, Ewers’ inconsistent play has raised questions about the long-term viability of those NIL deals. While NIL money can be a major motivator for athletes, it also comes with pressure. The higher the stakes, the more public the scrutiny, and the more immediate the consequences if things don’t go according to plan. In a highly competitive market where the spotlight is constantly on college football players, a lack of performance can lead to a decline in brand value, sponsorships, and endorsements. This financial equation, with its implications for both his career and his image, is where Ewers’ $30 million problem comes into play.
Ewers’ struggles on the field have already started to reflect in his financial situation. Despite his strong potential as a future NFL prospect, there are concerns in the industry about whether Ewers’ play will be able to meet the lofty expectations set for him. This has created a situation where his continued performance issues could directly affect his future earning potential. While still a high-earning individual by most standards, the uncertainty surrounding his future at Texas could have a tangible impact on his NIL earnings.
Arch Manning: The Future of Texas Football?
While Quinn Ewers’ potential is still undeniable, the Texas football program has a secret weapon on the roster: Arch Manning, the nation’s top quarterback recruit from the 2023 class. Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, entered the Longhorns’ program with an incredible amount of hype and anticipation. With his pedigree, skills, and high school accomplishments, Manning is seen as a future star for Texas and potentially one of the most hyped quarterbacks in the country.
Unlike Ewers, Manning is entering his first year at Texas with no expectation to start immediately. The general belief was that Ewers would take the reins for the 2023 season, allowing Manning to develop and learn the ropes under his tutelage. However, Manning’s development — combined with Ewers’ struggles — may accelerate the timeline in which Manning could assume the starting role.
The opportunity for Manning to take over may arrive sooner than anyone anticipated. With Ewers’ play under question, Manning’s potential as the future face of Texas football could become a reality in 2024. If the Longhorns fail to perform as expected in the second half of the season, the coaching staff may be faced with a tough decision: stick with a talented yet struggling Ewers or give Manning the keys to the offense and usher in a new era of Texas football.
What’s Next for Quinn Ewers?
The future of Quinn Ewers at Texas largely depends on his ability to improve his play on the field and meet the expectations of both the coaching staff and his NIL sponsors. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has been supportive of Ewers, but the pressure on the coaching staff is building. The Longhorns need to win games, and it’s clear that quarterback play will be a key factor in determining their success.
Should Ewers not improve, Texas may turn to Manning earlier than expected, a move that could accelerate the program’s rebuilding efforts and change the trajectory of the team’s future. Manning, with his immense potential and high expectations, could step into the role of starting quarterback and lead the Longhorns for years to come. If this happens, Ewers’ role as the Texas quarterback could become increasingly tenuous, with his NIL deals possibly becoming less lucrative as a result.
What Does This Mean for Texas?
The situation in Austin is emblematic of the new era of college football, where NIL deals, player branding, and on-field performance are all intertwined. Texas, as one of the wealthiest programs in the country, has the resources to support a massive NIL infrastructure, which in turn has created immense pressure for their players. While the focus has typically been on on-field performance, NIL deals have added a layer of complexity to the equation, where a player’s value is tied as much to their ability to market themselves as it is to their play on the field.
For Texas, the future of the quarterback position is crucial. The Longhorns have invested a great deal of money and effort into building a championship-caliber program, and the quarterback play will likely determine whether they achieve those goals. Whether it’s Ewers or Manning leading the charge, the Longhorns are set up for a potentially dominant future in the Big 12 and beyond.
Ultimately, Quinn Ewers’ $30 million problem is a reflection of the pressure cooker that modern college football has become. With the spotlight shining brighter than ever before, it’s not just the talent that matters — it’s the ability to deliver under immense scrutiny. As Ewers grapples with his own development, the door remains wide open for Arch Manning to step in and fulfill his destiny. The next few months will likely determine not only the future of Texas football but also the trajectory of two of the country’s most talked-about quarterbacks.
