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Quinn Ewers Makes Emotional Admission After Getting Benched for Arch Manning

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Tristan Afshar | Last updated Apr 22, 2025 12:11 PM ET

Quinn Ewers knew what was coming the moment it happened. One of the biggest games of the 2024 season had quickly unraveled, and with Texas trailing Georgia 20-0 late in the second quarter, head coach Steve Sarkisian made the call. Arch Manning, the freshman with a historic name, took the field while Ewers headed to the sideline.

Now, months later, Ewers is finally speaking out about what that moment meant to him.

During an appearance on "Gruden’s QB Class" with Jon Gruden, the former Texas starter opened up about the emotional impact of getting benched in such a high-stakes setting.

Ewers says “it was tough” but embraces the reality of the position

“Shoot, I got benched in this game,” he said. “You know, it made the year tough, but again, it’s just the reality of the position. Looking back, I’m not glad that it happened, but I’m glad I had to go through it.”

Ewers had completed just 6 of 12 passes for 17 yards, with one interception and a fumble before being pulled. Though the Longhorns would eventually fall 30-15, the switch sparked a conversation that extended far beyond the final score.

“I’m not gonna sit here and lie like it’s sunshine and rainbows, man, it was tough. It was tough,” Ewers added. “I felt good. I thought I was making some of the right decisions… Obviously, [I] missed a couple here and there.”

Ewers finished the season as the starter, but the moment left a mark. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, he’s widely projected as a Day 2 developmental pick—still talented, still confident, but very aware of how quickly things can change at the quarterback position.

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

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