Steve Spurrier questions why Arch Manning did not play more in 2024 if the hype is real

Arch Manning will be Texas‘ QB1 this fall after spending two seasons sitting behind Quinn Ewers. In turn, expectations for the inexperienced quarterback with a famous last name are through the roof.

Many assume Manning being an elite quarterback in college football this fall, but it begs a certain question. Longtime college football and national championship-winning coach Steve Spurrier wasn’t afraid to ask it.

“People picking Texas to win the SEC in football,” Spurrier said on his podcast. “They’ve got Arch Manning already winning the Heisman, too. And my question is, if he was this good, how come that they let Quinn Ewers play all the time last year? “

Spurrier pointed toward Ewers ending up as a seventh-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft. If Manning is projected to be an eventual first-round pick, then why would Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian choose to start Ewers for two full seasons over Manning?

During the few times Manning has been on the field for Texas, he hasn’t disappointed. When Ewers sustained an injury early in the 2024 season that allowed fans to get a taste of what Manning offers on the field. He came in during the second quarter against UTSA, and led the Longhorns to a 56-7 win over the Roadrunners.

Manning followed that up with consecutive starts against Louisiana Monroe and Mississippi State, where Texas outscored its opponents 86-16. He threw for 583 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions during those games. Manning rushed for an additional touchdown against the Bulldogs as well.

He went on to finish his redshirt freshman season with 939 total yards to go with nine touchdowns and two interceptions. Manning also finished the season with an 87.5 QBR, which would have ranked among the nation’s leaders last year but did not qualify.

However, Sarkisian’s choice to start Ewers despite Manning’s presence on the sideline each Saturday is backed the fact that he led the Longhorns to consecutive College Football Playoff appearances during his time in Austin. Moreover, a Big 12 Championship was won with Ewers under center, along with an SEC Championship game appearance. In total, Ewers threw for 9,128 yards, 68 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions while completing 64.9% of his throws.

His departure to the NFL now allows Manning to take the reigns on the Forty Acres. If Manning meets those expectations, however, Spurrier’s question will continue to be asked for years to come.