**Peyton Manning Forgets About Quinn Ewers and Believes His Nephew Arch Manning Made the Best Decision by Staying in Texas**
In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, few names carry as much weight as *Manning*. For decades, the Manning family has been synonymous with excellence on the gridiron, from Archie Manning’s legendary career at Ole Miss to Peyton and Eli’s storied runs in both college and the NFL. Now, the next generation is making waves, with Arch Manning—son of Cooper and grandson of Archie—carrying the torch for the family legacy. Recently, Peyton Manning made headlines when he seemingly forgot about Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers while discussing his nephew’s future, emphasizing that Arch made the best decision by staying at Texas.
Arch Manning’s journey has been under the microscope since his high school days at Isidore Newman in New Orleans, where he shattered records and drew comparisons to his uncle Peyton. As a five-star recruit and the No. 1 quarterback in the 2023 class, Arch had his pick of elite programs. Ultimately, he chose the University of Texas, a program on the rise under head coach Steve Sarkisian.
Peyton Manning, a two-time Super Bowl champion and one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, has been a vocal supporter of Arch’s decision. In a recent interview, Peyton was asked about the quarterback situation at Texas, where Quinn Ewers—another highly touted passer—has been the starter. Peyton’s response? He momentarily forgot Ewers’ name, instead focusing on why Arch’s choice to stay in Austin was the right one.
*“You know, Arch is in a great spot,”* Peyton said. *“Texas is building something special, and Sark is doing an incredible job developing quarterbacks. Arch has the right mindset—he’s patient, he’s learning, and when his time comes, he’s going to be ready.”*
The slip-up about Ewers wasn’t malicious; it was simply a reflection of where Peyton’s focus lies—family. And in his eyes, Arch’s development is more important than any immediate playing time.
Many speculated that Arch might transfer after his freshman year, especially with Ewers returning for another season. In today’s transfer portal era, it’s common for elite recruits to jump ship if they don’t win the starting job immediately. But Arch has remained committed to Texas, and Peyton believes that’s a testament to his maturity.
– Steve Sarkisian has a proven track record with quarterbacks, having worked with legends like Matt Leinart, Tua Tagovailoa, and Mac Jones. For Arch, being molded by a coach who understands quarterback development is invaluable.
*Competition Breeds Excellence** – While Ewers is the starter, Arch is pushing him every day in practice. Competing against a talented quarterback like Ewers only makes Arch better, preparing him for the pressure he’ll face in the SEC next season.
3. **The Long-Term Vision** – Texas is entering the SEC in 2024, and Arch’s timeline aligns perfectly with the program’s biggest transition. By the time he takes over, he’ll have a deeper understanding of the offense and the chance to lead Texas into a new era.
Peyton Manning knows a thing or two about patience. He sat behind Heath Shuler at Tennessee before becoming a star. That experience shaped his belief in waiting for the right opportunity rather than rushing into the spotlight.
Quinn Ewers, a former No. 1 overall recruit himself, transferred to Texas from Ohio State and has shown flashes of brilliance. However, his inconsistency has left the door open for future competition. While Ewers is the present, Arch is very much the future.
Peyton’s momentary lapse in mentioning Ewers wasn’t a slight—it was a reminder that in the Manning family, the focus is always on the bigger picture. Arch isn’t worried about being a backup right now; he’s focused on being the best version of himself when his time comes.
The 2024 season will be pivotal. Ewers could declare for the NFL Draft, leaving the starting job wide open. Even if he stays, Arch will have a full year in the system, making him a strong contender for the QB1 spot.
Peyton’s confidence in Arch’s decision stems from his own experiences. He didn’t start immediately in college or dominate right away in the NFL, but his patience paid off with a Hall of Fame career. Arch is following a similar path—trusting the process, learning from the best, and preparing for his moment.
Peyton Manning’s brief forgetfulness about Quinn Ewers wasn’t an oversight—it was a statement. In his mind, Arch’s journey is about more than just beating out a current starter; it’s about building a foundation for long-term success. By staying at Texas, Arch is embracing the Manning way: hard work, patience, and an unwavering belief in the process.
As Texas prepares for its SEC debut, all eyes will be on Arch Manning. And if his uncle Peyton is right, the wait will be well worth it. The Mannings have always done things their way—and history suggests that’s a winning formula.
