Austin, Texas — On January 15, 2025, Quinn Ewers officially declared for the NFL Draft, ending his run as the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns. Selected in the seventh round by the Miami Dolphins, Ewers’ departure marks the end of a tumultuous but impactful era in Austin. Now, the torch has been passed to Arch Manning, the heir to one of football’s most famous dynasties. With the move to the SEC and national expectations at a fever pitch, Texas finds itself in a season that could define the program’s trajectory for years to come.

The End of the Ewers Era

Quinn Ewers arrived in Austin with as much hype as any recruit in recent memory. A former five-star prospect who briefly enrolled at Ohio State, he brought Texas fans the promise of explosive offense and national relevance. At times, he delivered exactly that: deep strikes, confident pocket presence, and flashes of brilliance that had NFL scouts intrigued.

But Ewers’ Texas career was also marred by inconsistency and injury. From oblique strains to questions about decision-making under pressure, his time under center often felt like a rollercoaster. Still, he guided Texas to big wins, helped end the program’s College Football Playoff drought, and put the Longhorns back into the national spotlight.

When Ewers announced he was heading for the NFL Draft, fans were split. Some believed he left too soon, especially after reports emerged that he turned down lucrative NIL offers to stay in college. Others applauded his boldness, recognizing that his talent ceiling would eventually land him in the pros. The Dolphins, who took him with the 231st overall pick, saw enough to keep him on their 53-man roster.

For Texas, however, the more pressing question was not about Ewers’ future — but who would lead the program next.

The Arch Manning Takeover

Enter Arch Manning.

The nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch arrived at Texas carrying one of the heaviest surnames in American sports. For two seasons, he waited patiently behind Ewers, developing under head coach Steve Sarkisian’s system. Now, with Ewers gone, Manning has been officially named the starting quarterback for 2025.

The hype around Manning has only grown. According to NIL valuations, he is currently the most valuable college athlete in America, with an estimated market value north of $6.8 million. Yet the expectations extend far beyond endorsements. Texas fans don’t just want star power — they want wins, championships, and validation that the Longhorns are truly back.

Sarkisian has been clear: Manning is ready. In spring practices, his leadership stood out. Teammates describe him as calm, calculated, and already commanding the huddle with authority. But practice is one thing; leading Texas through a grueling SEC schedule is another.

The SEC Challenge

For decades, Texas fans have chanted “We’re back!” after every major win, only to see the momentum fade. Now, as the Longhorns officially step into SEC competition, that phrase will be tested like never before.

Arch Manning will have to face some of the toughest defenses in college football. Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Florida are no strangers to exposing young quarterbacks. The Longhorns may have elite talent at wide receiver and running back, but Manning will need to deliver under immense pressure if Texas hopes to contend.

The offensive line — often the Achilles’ heel of Texas in the post-Mack Brown era — must protect him better than it did Ewers at times. Sarkisian’s offensive scheme, which thrives on precision and tempo, will be fully on display.

Defensively, Texas has improved dramatically, but SEC play will demand another leap forward. If the defense can keep games within reach, Manning may not need to play superhero football every Saturday. Still, one or two mistakes in the SEC can be the difference between a playoff run and a three-loss season.

Manning vs. the Legacy of Ewers

The comparison between Ewers and Manning will be inevitable. Ewers was the big-armed gunslinger who came to Texas to save the program. Manning is the dynasty heir, expected not just to play, but to win.

In truth, both players’ stories are intertwined. Without Ewers, Texas might never have regained national attention or positioned itself as a legitimate playoff team. Without Manning, however, the Longhorns may not have the future star power to compete in the SEC.

Ewers’ departure creates an opportunity — and pressure — for Manning to prove that his last name isn’t the only reason he’s starting. For Longhorns fans, the hope is that this transition isn’t a step back, but a step forward.

The National Spotlight

The 2025 season will put Texas under a microscope. Television ratings will soar whenever Manning takes the field. National analysts will debate whether he can live up to the Manning family name. Opposing teams will treat every matchup with Texas like a statement game.

This spotlight is a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it gives Texas unmatched visibility in recruiting, branding, and financial growth. On the other, it magnifies every mistake Manning makes. A three-interception performance against Alabama could dominate headlines for weeks.

Yet Manning has handled pressure before. In high school, every game was broadcast and every throw dissected. His composure will be tested again — this time under the bright lights of college football’s biggest stage.

Sarkisian’s Defining Moment

For head coach Steve Sarkisian, 2025 is also a make-or-break season. He has already proven he can recruit elite talent and build competitive rosters. But with Manning as his quarterback, anything short of a playoff berth could be seen as underachieving.

Sarkisian’s offensive mind will be tested against SEC defensive masterminds. His ability to develop Manning quickly — without overwhelming him — could define his tenure in Austin. If Manning succeeds, Sarkisian could cement his place as one of college football’s elite coaches. If not, the narrative of Texas failing to live up to its hype will only grow louder.

Looking Ahead

So where does this leave the Longhorns?

On paper, they are one of the most talented teams in America. They have the quarterback with the biggest name, a coach with a proven offensive system, and a fan base starving for success. The move to the SEC will be brutal, but it also offers Texas the chance to prove, once and for all, that it belongs among the nation’s elite.

The Arch Manning era has begun. The Quinn Ewers chapter is closed.

For Texas, 2025 is not just another season — it’s a statement. Either the Longhorns rise to the challenge, or they risk becoming yet another cautionary tale of hype without hardware.