Quinn Ewers describes relationship with Arch Manning, previews success as starter at Texas

After Quinn Ewers’ first year as Texas’ starting quarterback, the Longhorns made a splash on the recruiting trail. Top recruit Arch Manning was on his way to Austin.

Manning sat behind Ewers his first year with Texas, and returned in 2024 after the incumbent starter returned. The two quarterbacks continued to build a relationship – and it’s one Ewers speaks highly of as he heads to the NFL with the Miami Dolphins

Ewers and Manning developed a strong friendship as they shared the quarterback room. They battled it out in practice and were competitive as they did so, but still became close. As Manning gets ready to take over as Texas’ starter in 2025, Ewers said the former Five Star Plus+ prospect has the traits to succeed.

“He’s great. He’s a good kid,” Ewers told On3 via phone on behalf of Panini America at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere in Los Angeles. “He was definitely fun to have in the quarterback room. We’re good buddies.

“I’m super excited to see what he does. He’s a hard-working kid, he’s a hard studier. He’s going to set himself up to be as successful as he wants to be, and I think he’s got a chance to go do exactly that and continue on living out what we built at Texas.”

Ewers spoke with On3 from the NFLPA Rookie Premiere in Los Angeles as part of his partnership with Panini America. Panini America is the exclusive trading card partner of the NFL, and he was among a group of rookies attending the event as they prepare for their debut season and receive their first Panini NFL Trading Cards. Manning also has an NIL deal with Panini America and recently expanded his partnership to include a merchandise agreement.

As Quinn Ewers looked back on his time with Arch Manning at Texas, he pointed out their competitive nature. But with that, they still supported each other because they had one common goal – and their friendship away from the field remains strong.

“We became pretty good buddies,” Ewers said. “We were in the same room for two or so years, so we got to know each other pretty well.

“It’s cool whenever two guys are competing for the same job, obviously, and at the end of the day, we’re just doing whatever we can do to make the team better and also remain competitive at the same time. He’s definitely a friend of mine and will be for a while.”