National Writer Boldly Proposes Texas QB Arch Manning to Stay the Backup Due to Wild Theory on Longhorns Starter Quinn Ewers……
In a bold and provocative statement that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, a prominent national writer has suggested that Arch Manning, the highly touted five-star quarterback and grandson of legendary NFL quarterback Archie Manning, should remain as the backup quarterback for the Texas Longhorns for the foreseeable future. The proposal, which runs contrary to the expectations of many fans and analysts who assumed Manning would challenge for the starting job immediately, is rooted in an unconventional and far-reaching theory about the Longhorns’ current starting quarterback, Quinn Ewers.
The Setting: Texas Longhorns’ Quarterback Situation
The Texas Longhorns are a program with high aspirations, aiming to return to national prominence after years of mediocrity in the college football landscape. The quarterback position, often the most scrutinized and discussed on any team, has been a point of contention for Texas over the years. Heading into the 2023 season, Quinn Ewers, a former five-star recruit who transferred from Ohio State, was firmly entrenched as the team’s starting quarterback. Ewers had a solid first season in Austin, with moments of brilliance, but also some inconsistency that raised questions about his ability to lead Texas to the top of the Big 12 and beyond.
Enter Arch Manning, the quarterback prodigy from New Orleans who has been the subject of national attention since he was in high school. Manning, widely regarded as one of the top quarterback recruits in recent history, made waves when he committed to Texas in 2023, sending a ripple through the college football recruiting world. His pedigree, talent, and potential to lead a program to a national championship have made him a key figure to watch in the future of the Longhorns’ football program.
With Manning’s commitment, the Longhorns were set to have one of the most intriguing quarterback battles in the nation. However, in a surprising twist, a national writer has proposed that Manning should remain the backup for the foreseeable future, citing a “wild” theory about Quinn Ewers’ place as Texas’ starting quarterback.
The Bold Proposal: Arch Manning as the Backup
The central argument behind this theory, proposed by the national writer, is that while Arch Manning is an immensely talented and highly regarded recruit, he should not be rushed into the starting role, especially considering that the Longhorns’ starting quarterback, Quinn Ewers, still has significant room for growth. The writer’s controversial stance is based on the belief that Ewers, despite his pedigree and obvious talent, is not yet the finished product Texas needs him to be in order to contend for a national championship.
The writer contends that Ewers’ development has not been as rapid or as consistent as expected since he arrived at Texas. In the 2022 season, while Ewers demonstrated flashes of his immense potential—particularly his ability to throw deep and his natural arm strength—his performance was uneven, and he struggled at times with decision-making and consistency. There were games where Ewers appeared to be in control and poised to lead Texas back to prominence, but there were also moments where his inexperience showed, and the Longhorns’ offense sputtered as a result.
Given these inconsistencies, the national writer suggests that Texas should not abandon its plans for Ewers just yet, but rather allow him more time to develop. The idea of a quarterback change is not advocated for immediately, as the writer acknowledges Ewers’ potential and the value of continued development. However, the argument goes that Manning, who has a much higher ceiling than most quarterbacks, could benefit from learning under Ewers and giving himself time to adjust to the demands of college football.
The writer envisions Manning staying as a backup in 2023, observing Ewers, learning from his mistakes, and refining his skills in practice. Manning, despite his high ranking and expectations, could benefit from a slow, patient approach to his development, which includes observing a seasoned veteran like Ewers. The backup role would allow Manning to gain experience and understand the offensive system without the immediate pressure of leading the team.
The Theory Behind Ewers’ Development
The writer’s argument is rooted in a more extensive theory about the nature of quarterback development and the timeline of success for highly rated recruits. The theory posits that not all quarterbacks develop at the same rate, and that some take longer to mature into consistent, elite players.
Ewers’ journey from high school to Ohio State and eventually to Texas is one that was expected to be filled with growing pains. After reclassifying and skipping his senior year of high school, Ewers enrolled early at Ohio State, but after just one season with the Buckeyes, he transferred to Texas. That move came with high expectations, and many hoped that he would be ready to lead the Longhorns immediately. However, as his 2022 season showed, Ewers still had room to grow. His mechanics, his ability to process information quickly, and his decision-making in critical moments were still works in progress.
The theory further suggests that Ewers, for all his raw talent, may not be able to fully develop into the type of quarterback who can elevate Texas to a national championship in the next couple of seasons. Instead of rushing Manning into the starting role, the writer proposes that it would be wise to allow Manning time to develop, understanding that his time will eventually come. The idea of placing Manning behind Ewers for a year or two might just be the most beneficial path for both quarterbacks—and for Texas.
The Potential Fallout of the Proposal
Of course, this theory is not without potential risks. First, there’s the issue of Arch Manning’s expectations. Given his status as a generational talent, it’s safe to assume that Manning wants to start as soon as possible. College football quarterbacks, especially those with Manning’s pedigree, don’t typically sign with programs just to sit on the bench. Manning’s patience would be tested if he’s forced to wait for an undetermined period of time before taking the reins as the starter.
There’s also the issue of team chemistry. The Longhorns are hoping to contend for the Big 12 championship and potentially the College Football Playoff. If Ewers struggles, and Texas loses games, it could create a quarterback controversy, with fans and media clamoring for Manning to be inserted into the starting lineup. This could lead to division in the locker room, with some players supporting Ewers and others backing Manning. Keeping Manning in a backup role could also result in Manning becoming frustrated, especially if he feels he is ready to start.
Moreover, there’s the matter of Ewers’ confidence. If Ewers continues to struggle, the idea of staying in the starting role while a talented freshman like Manning waits in the wings could be mentally taxing. The pressure to perform could increase exponentially, leading to further inconsistencies.
Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean for Texas?
Ultimately, the proposal that Arch Manning stay as a backup for the foreseeable future is about more than just quarterback play—it’s about the future of Texas football. The Longhorns are in a delicate position: they have two highly talented quarterbacks, one of whom is still growing into the starting role and one who is expected to take over in the near future.
The theory put forth by the national writer calls for patience, but it also highlights the broader challenge of managing expectations. Manning is a generational talent, but quarterbacks rarely make an immediate impact in college football without first learning the ropes. By keeping him as the backup, Texas could ensure that Manning has the time and development needed to be truly great when his time comes—whether that’s in 2024 or beyond.
In conclusion, while this theory about Arch Manning staying the backup may seem unconventional, it offers an interesting perspective on the long-term development of Texas’ quarterbacks. Whether or not it proves to be the right call remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the quarterback battle in Austin will continue to be a captivating storyline for the Longhorns as they moveforward into a new era of college football.
