**Steve Sarkisian Praises Arch Manning’s Athleticism, Says It Will Give Texas an Edge Over Last Season’s Team with Quinn Ewers**
The Texas Longhorns are entering the 2024 college football season with sky-high expectations, and much of the buzz surrounds the quarterback position. While Quinn Ewers led the team to a Big 12 Championship and a College Football Playoff appearance last season, head coach Steve Sarkisian has been vocal about the impact that backup quarterback Arch Manning could have on the team’s offensive versatility. In recent comments, Sarkisian praised Manning’s athleticism, suggesting that his skill set could give Texas an edge that last year’s squad didn’t have with Ewers as the sole focal point.
### **The Evolution of Texas’ Quarterback Room**
When Quinn Ewers transferred to Texas from Ohio State ahead of the 2022 season, he was immediately seen as the program’s savior—a former No. 1 overall recruit who could restore the Longhorns to national prominence. While Ewers showed flashes of brilliance, his 2023 campaign was a mixed bag. He threw for 3,479 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, but his lack of elite mobility sometimes limited Sarkisian’s play-calling. Texas’ offense was explosive but at times predictable, especially against elite defenses like Washington in the College Football Playoff.
Enter Arch Manning, the most hyped quarterback recruit since his uncle, Peyton Manning. Though he spent his freshman year as Ewers’ backup, Manning’s development behind the scenes has been a major talking point. Sarkisian has frequently highlighted Manning’s work ethic, football IQ, and—most notably—his athleticism, which could add a new dimension to Texas’ offense.
### **Sarkisian’s Comments on Manning’s Athleticism**
During spring practices and media sessions, Sarkisian has been effusive in his praise for Manning’s physical tools.
*“Arch is a different kind of athlete than people realize,”* Sarkisian said. *“He’s got great speed, he’s elusive in the pocket, and he can extend plays with his legs. That’s something we can utilize in ways we couldn’t always do last year.”*
This is a notable statement, as Ewers, while capable of occasional scrambles, is primarily a pocket passer. Manning, on the other hand, has demonstrated the ability to make plays outside of structure—a trait that has become increasingly valuable in modern college football.
### **How Manning’s Skill Set Could Change Texas’ Offense**
If Sarkisian decides to incorporate Manning into specific packages—or even if he eventually takes over as the starter—the Longhorns’ offense could evolve in several key ways:
1. **RPO and Read-Option Elements** – With Manning’s mobility, Texas could implement more run-pass option (RPO) plays and designed quarterback runs. Defenses would have to account for Manning as a runner, opening up lanes for running backs like CJ Baxter and Jaydon Blue.
2. **Extended Playmaking Ability** – Manning’s ability to evade pressure and create outside the pocket could lead to more explosive plays. Last season, when Ewers faced heavy pressure (such as in the Oklahoma State game), the offense sometimes stalled. Manning’s athleticism could help mitigate that.
3. **Trick Plays and Creativity** – Sarkisian is known for his innovative offensive mind, and having a quarterback like Manning allows for more trick plays, bootlegs, and misdirection. This could keep opposing defenses guessing in ways that a more traditional pocket passer might not.
### **The Quinn Ewers Factor**
Of course, none of this means that Ewers is being phased out. He remains the clear QB1 heading into the season, and his experience and arm talent are irreplaceable. However, Sarkisian’s comments suggest that Manning’s presence alone—whether as a change-of-pace player or a future starter—gives Texas something it lacked last year: a true dual-threat option.
Ewers has also reportedly improved his mobility in the offseason, but Manning’s natural athleticism is on another level. If Sarkisian can find ways to utilize both quarterbacks’ strengths, Texas could have the most dynamic offense in the country.
### **The Bigger Picture: Texas’ National Title Hopes**
The Longhorns are entering the SEC in 2024, and the competition will be fiercer than ever. Having multiple offensive weapons—including a quarterback who can stress defenses with his legs—could be the difference in close games against teams like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU.
Sarkisian’s willingness to adapt his system to his players’ strengths is a big reason why Texas is considered a playoff contender again. If Manning’s athleticism is as impactful as Sarkisian suggests, the Longhorns might just have the edge they need to go even further than they did in 2023.
### **Conclusion**
Steve Sarkisian’s praise of Arch Manning’s athleticism isn’t just coach speak—it’s a sign that Texas’ offense could be even more dangerous this season. While Quinn Ewers remains the starter, Manning’s dual-threat ability adds a new layer to the Longhorns’ attack. Whether through situational packages or an expanded role down the line, Manning’s presence ensures that Texas won’t be one-dimensional.
In a year where the Longhorns are looking to prove they belong among college football’s elite, having two talented quarterbacks with different skill sets might be the ultimate advantage. Sarkisian knows it, and soon, the rest of college football will too.
