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Legendary CFB Coach Bluntly Questions Steve Sarkisian Amid Arch Manning’s Heisman Hype

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeremy Beren | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 12:44 PM ET

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian was willing to take the heat last season. He knew that sticking with senior quarterback Quinn Ewers was not going to be a popular decision, especially with phenom Arch Manning waiting in the wings.

Ewers struggled in 2024. Though he completed 293 of 445 passes for 3,472 yards and 31 touchdowns, Ewers committed 17 total turnovers, including an SEC-high 12 interceptions thrown. His fumble against Ohio State in the fourth quarter of the Cotton Bowl ended Texas' comeback hopes in the College Football Playoff semifinal.

But Sarkisian showed loyalty by sticking with Ewers, who was popular with teammates and was eventually selected by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

“They’ve got Arch Manning already winning the Heisman, too. My question is, if he was this good how come they let Quinn Ewers play all the time last year?

Steve Spurrier interjects about Arch Manning in a way only the Head Ball Coach can

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— Inside Texas (@InsideTexas) June 24, 2025

The Longhorns now though are Manning's team, and his elevation to the quarterback has brought huge expectations upon Texas entering 2025.

However, not everyone is convinced Manning is going to come in and instantly lead Texas to an elusive national title. Former Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray has questioned Manning's ability, and legendary head coach Steve Spurrier has his doubts as well.

"Most people are picking Texas to win the SEC in football,” Spurrier said on Another Dooley Noted Podcast. “They’ve got Arch Manning already winning the Heisman, too. My question is, if he was this good how come they let Quinn Ewers play all the time last year?”

Though Manning started two games in 2024 while Ewers nursed an oblique injury, Florida Gators icon Spurrier said that only Sarkisian has the answer as to why Ewers - despite his flaws – continued to lead the Longhorns in spite of Manning's dynamism and promise.

“Hopefully (Sarkisian) will say ‘because we thought he was better than that one.’ Isn’t that why you play one guy and not the other?" Spurrier asked. "Unless it was discipline, and there was no discipline or anything.”

With Texas' 2025 season kicking off in Columbus against Ohio State, Manning will have an instant opportunity to silence those doubts and prove his worth as a Heisman Trophy favorite.

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

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