Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning. Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Arch Manning Breaks Silence on Quinn Ewers Leaving Texas

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Jan 30, 2025 10:39 AM ET

The Texas Longhorns are heading into a new chapter with quarterback Arch Manning next season.

After their first year in the SEC, where the Longhorns finished with a 13-3 record and a 7-1 mark in conference play, starting quarterback Quinn Ewers entered the NFL draft.

He handed the keys to Manning, who committed to Texas as the No. 1 overall player in the class of 2023, per 247Sports. Manning recently discussed Ewers' departure, mentioning that he had spoken with the NFL draft prospect following Texas' loss to Ohio State in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff.

"After the Ohio State game, I was with Quinn in the locker room," Manning said, per ESPN College Football. "He was just like, ‘Enjoy every moment. It goes by quickly, so love all your teammates and have fun.’ I took that to heart, and I’m thankful for everything he did for me."

Manning has been with the Longhorns for two seasons. During that time, he has passed for 969 yards and nine touchdowns while rushing for 115 yards and four TDs.

During the 2024 season, Ewers passed for 31 touchdowns and 3,472 yards with a 65.8 completion percentage.

While Ewers led the Longhorns to back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances, there are high hopes around the college football world that Manning can get Texas over the hump and help the SEC powerhouse secure its first national title since 2005.

Manning and the Longhorns will kick off the 2025 season with a rematch against the Buckeyes on Aug. 30 in Columbus, Ohio.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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