Arch Manning is set to take the reins as the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, following Quinn Ewers' decision to enter the NFL draft. This pivotal moment has sparked excitement among Texas fans and notable commentators alike, including former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel.
Manziel, during his recent appearance on the 'Johnny’s Scramble Drill' podcast, stated, "I think this is what all the Texas fans want. This is what the clamoring and all the hoopla you’ve been hearing all year from them is to put Arch in, so now they get their chance. Now you go from Quinn Ewers to Arch Manning. Things at the quarterback position in Austin are looking pretty good for them so far, but we’ll see how it goes next year." His comments reflect the high expectations surrounding Manning, who has long been considered one of the top quarterback prospects.
Manning's ascension follows Ewers' challenging season where he had to navigate injuries and inconsistencies. Ewers' path to the NFL now opens doors for Manning, poised to prove his capabilities under the Texas spotlight.
Meanwhile, the future of Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian hung in the balance. Speculation grew about his job security after the team fell short of its championship goals. Contrary to rumors linking him to several NFL franchises, Sarkisian secured his position with the Longhorns through contract negotiations. According to College Football insider Pete Thamel, "Texas has agreed to a new seven-year deal for Steve Sarkisian, which adds a year to his deal and includes a significant raise. He remains one of the highest paid coaches in the sport, as he’d ranked No. 3 at $10.6 million." This substantial commitment reflects the university’s belief in Sarkisian’s vision and leadership moving forward.
Adding another layer to Manning’s narrative, Nelson Stewart, Arch's former high school coach at Newman High School, recently accepted the head coaching position at Westminster High School in Georgia. Stewart spent 19 successful seasons at Newman, where he garnered 162 career wins and was instrumental in Manning's development as he navigated through high school football.
Stewart's hiring at Westminster follows the retirement of Gerry Romberg after the team had posted a disappointing 5-6 season. The Westminster administration hopes Stewart's experience will inspire improvement and bring renewed energy to the program. Stewart's connection to Manning, along with his history coaching talents such as NFL star Odell Beckham Jr., enhances expectations for his impact.
With Manning now commanding the Texas offense and Stewart gearing up to lead Westminster, both figures stand at pivotal junctures of their respective careers. Manning's debut as the starting QB is highly anticipated by Longhorns fans, heralding the arrival of the next generation of Longhorn football. Similarly, Stewart's transition aims to restore competitive spirit at Westminster.
These developments not only signify key transitions for Manning and Stewart but also reflect the interconnected nature of college football coaching and player legacy. Fans will be watching closely, eager to see how these narratives continue to evolve as the kickoff of the new season approaches.