In the world of college football, few positions are as scrutinized as that of the quarterback. It’s a role that defines the team’s success, drives fan passion, and often, if things go wrong, bears the blame. Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian has faced this reality head-on, as he navigates the future of two very promising quarterbacks: Quinn Ewers, a highly talented transfer, and Arch Manning, perhaps the most famous recruit in recent memory. Both players come with high expectations, but Sarkisian’s approach to developing and managing these quarterbacks speaks volumes about his understanding of the game and his long-term vision for the program.
Quinn Ewers: A Work in Progress
Quinn Ewers arrived in Austin with massive expectations. As a former five-star recruit and the number one overall player in the 2022 recruiting class, his early commitment to Texas set the stage for high hopes. But Ewers’ journey to becoming Texas’ starting quarterback has been anything but straightforward.
Sarkisian, a quarterback whisperer known for his ability to develop signal-callers, has been faced with the challenge of molding Ewers into a leader capable of reviving the Longhorns’ football program. Ewers’ first season as a starter in 2022 was a learning experience, filled with ups and downs. Inconsistencies plagued his game, and while there were flashes of brilliance, there were also moments of struggle.
Ewers began the season with a bang, throwing for 225 yards and two touchdowns in the opening game against Louisiana-Monroe. But it didn’t take long for the struggles to emerge. A rough outing against Alabama, where Ewers suffered a shoulder injury, forced him to miss several games. When he returned, Ewers was not quite the same. His timing was off, and he showed the rust that comes with being out of action for an extended period.
Through it all, Sarkisian remained committed to Ewers. The first-year head coach understood that a quarterback like Ewers, who had so much raw talent but needed refinement, couldn’t be rushed. Sarkisian’s system demands a deep understanding of the offense, and for Ewers, who had only recently transitioned from high school to college ball, that required time.
Throughout the 2022 season, Sarkisian handled Ewers with patience, letting him learn on the fly. While some coaches might have been tempted to pull him during rough stretches, Sarkisian consistently provided the necessary support and confidence to let Ewers work through his growing pains. By the end of the year, there were visible improvements. Ewers’ decision-making and consistency showed signs of progress, and with another offseason of work, it was clear that Sarkisian was betting on him to be the future of the program.
Arch Manning: The Pressure of a Legacy
As if managing Ewers wasn’t enough, Sarkisian also had the monumental task of integrating Arch Manning, the grandson of NFL legend Archie Manning and the nephew of Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning. Arch Manning’s arrival in 2023 was met with unprecedented fanfare. The young quarterback was not just a five-star recruit; he was a generational talent, one whose name carried the weight of a football legacy that few could even imagine.
For Sarkisian, the presence of Manning on the roster presented both an opportunity and a challenge. On the one hand, Manning was a player with all the tools to be a star. His ability to read defenses, his arm strength, and his poise under pressure were all exceptional for a high schooler. On the other hand, Manning’s arrival created a dynamic where there would inevitably be pressure for him to play early and live up to the family legacy.
However, Sarkisian’s decision to bring Manning along slowly was both measured and smart. Despite Manning’s considerable talents, it was clear that Texas was not in a hurry to rush him into the starting role. Sarkisian understood that Manning, like Ewers before him, needed time to develop and adjust to the college game. Texas had Ewers at the helm, and the coaching staff was confident in his ability to lead the team for at least another season.
Manning’s development was never going to be about making him the starter right away. Instead, Sarkisian adopted a philosophy of gradual integration. Manning had a chance to learn from the sidelines, watch Ewers as the team’s leader, and soak in the intricacies of Sarkisian’s offense. By not throwing him into the fire too early, Sarkisian allowed Manning to learn the playbook, adjust to the speed of the game, and mature physically and mentally.
Moreover, Sarkisian had to manage the inevitable quarterback controversy that would come with having two elite quarterbacks on the roster. The pressure to start Manning immediately was intense, especially given his national profile. But Sarkisian remained steadfast in his decision-making, recognizing that both quarterbacks needed development. Ewers, with his experience, was still the better option for the immediate future, and Sarkisian didn’t waver from that stance.
The Sarkisian System: Patient Development
One of the core aspects of Sarkisian’s coaching philosophy is patient development. This is evident in his handling of both Ewers and Manning. Sarkisian’s system is not designed for immediate success at the expense of long-term growth. In both cases, he has shown the ability to develop his quarterbacks gradually, allowing them to make mistakes, learn from them, and ultimately become better players.
For Ewers, this has meant building confidence in his decision-making process and his ability to perform under pressure. Sarkisian’s offensive scheme, which is predicated on a strong passing game, allows quarterbacks to showcase their arm talent while also putting them in positions to succeed with quick reads and well-designed plays. Ewers, with his strong arm and ability to stretch the field, has the potential to thrive in this system if he continues to mature and refine his skills.
For Manning, the patient approach is even more apparent. As a young player with such high expectations, it would have been easy for Sarkisian to feel the pressure to throw him into the starting role. However, Sarkisian has resisted that temptation, giving Manning the time he needs to adjust and develop in a way that will set him up for future success.
This approach stands in stark contrast to other programs that rush their quarterbacks into starting roles, often with disastrous results. By allowing both Ewers and Manning to grow at their own pace, Sarkisian is building a foundation that will pay dividends for Texas in the years to come.
A Bright Future for Texas Football
In conclusion, Steve Sarkisian’s handling of both Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning reflects a deep understanding of the quarterback position and an unwavering commitment to building a successful program. By exercising patience and allowing both players to develop at their own pace, Sarkisian is setting up Texas football for long-term success.
The future of the Longhorns is bright, thanks in no small part to Sarkisian’s ability to manage talent and cultivate growth in his quarterbacks. Whether it’s through Ewers’ continued development or Manning’s eventual emergence, Sarkisian has laid the groundwork for a winning program that can compete at the highest level. In a world of instant gratification, Sarkisian’s measured approach is a refreshing reminder that the best things come with time.
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