Texas Longhorns Quarterback Quinn Ewers Shares Bold Prediction About Arch Manning Ahead of 2025 College Football Season Kickoff

Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers isn’t just getting ready for what could be a defining 2025 season for himself—he’s also looking ahead at the future of Texas football, particularly when it comes to the player who may one day inherit the job he currently holds: Arch Manning. In a moment that stirred the college football world, Ewers recently made headlines when he offered an unexpectedly bold prediction about the highly-touted backup quarterback. With the 2025 campaign on the horizon and expectations sky-high in Austin, the comment serves as a reminder that Texas’ quarterback room is as talented as it is intriguing.

The moment came during a spring media session, where Ewers—now an established veteran entering his third full season at Texas—was asked about the development of Manning, the former No. 1 overall recruit and grandson of NFL legend Archie Manning. The question wasn’t surprising; since the day Arch committed to Texas, he’s been the subject of national scrutiny, speculation, and excitement. But Ewers’ answer was more than just supportive. It was prophetic.

“I think people are going to be shocked how good Arch is going to be when his time comes,” Ewers said. “He’s going to be one of the best in the country. I really believe that. He’s already doing things behind the scenes that are special, and it’s only a matter of time.”

The statement was more than a pat on the back for a younger teammate—it was a firm endorsement from a player who knows the game at the highest level of college football. Ewers, after all, has had his share of both triumphs and adversity. After transferring from Ohio State and navigating an up-and-down start to his Texas tenure, he turned a corner during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He led the Longhorns to a College Football Playoff appearance, and though the team fell short of a national title, Ewers cemented his place among the elite quarterbacks in the country. Now, as he prepares for what is widely expected to be his final year before declaring for the NFL Draft, he’s taken on more of a leadership role—and part of that is mentoring the man who could succeed him.

Ewers and Manning have spent the last two seasons in the same quarterback room, and by all accounts, the relationship is strong. There’s no visible tension, no quarterback controversy. Manning has stayed patient, redshirting in 2023 and seeing limited action in 2024 while Ewers handled the starting job. Yet the younger Manning has never been far from the spotlight, whether it’s through recruiting buzz, name recognition, or the occasional glimpse in a blowout win that reminds fans of why he was the most talked-about recruit of his generation.

According to those close to the program, Ewers has taken it upon himself to serve as a mentor and role model for Manning. Coaches have raved about Manning’s work ethic, humility, and rapid growth behind the scenes. He’s bulked up, refined his mechanics, and improved his understanding of Steve Sarkisian’s pro-style offense. And in the words of Ewers, Manning is “already throwing with more confidence, timing, and command.”

It’s rare to hear such unequivocal praise from one quarterback about another, especially when they’re essentially competing for the same spotlight. But Ewers’ comments speak volumes about the character of both players. Manning, for all the pressure that comes with his last name, has never been one to seek attention. And Ewers, despite being a projected first-round NFL pick, hasn’t shown any signs of insecurity or jealousy. Instead, he’s leaned into his role as the team’s elder statesman, understanding that his legacy at Texas may partially be defined by what comes after he leaves.

For Texas fans, the dynamic between Ewers and Manning represents the kind of problem every elite program hopes to have—two five-star quarterbacks, both capable of winning big, coexisting peacefully while pushing each other to improve. It’s a far cry from the quarterback drama that has plagued other programs in recent years. The Longhorns, who are joining the SEC full-time in 2025, know they’ll need every ounce of talent and leadership they can muster to survive the gauntlet ahead. Having two NFL-caliber signal-callers in the fold is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Ewers’ prediction also feeds into the broader narrative about Manning’s timeline. While some speculated that Arch might transfer if he didn’t win the starting job by Year 2, those fears appear unfounded. Manning has given no public indication that he’s unhappy in Austin, and his family has long preached the value of patience and development over instant gratification. With Ewers likely heading to the NFL in 2026, the job could very well be Manning’s to lose next spring.

Still, nothing is guaranteed in college football. The transfer portal has made quarterback rooms more fluid than ever, and Texas has no shortage of young talent waiting in the wings. But if Ewers’ prediction is accurate, Manning’s ascension won’t just be a matter of timing—it’ll be a matter of readiness. And from all accounts, that moment is approaching faster than many expected.

Ewers wasn’t the only one offering insight into Manning’s progression. Head coach Steve Sarkisian also shared praise during spring practice, noting that Manning is “starting to really understand how to command the offense, not just run the plays.” Sarkisian has maintained that the quarterback battle will always be merit-based, but it’s clear that Manning is positioning himself as the heir apparent.

In a college football world where transitions at quarterback can make or break a program’s trajectory, Texas may be one of the few teams that can weather that change smoothly. The Longhorns’ offensive line is returning several key starters, the receiving corps is loaded, and the running game remains dangerous. Whoever takes the reins next year—likely Manning—will be stepping into a favorable situation. And if Ewers is right, that could mean Texas is not just a one-year wonder, but a long-term powerhouse.

There’s also the matter of legacy. For years, the Manning name has been synonymous with quarterback excellence. Archie, Peyton, and Eli all made their mark at the college and professional levels. Arch, the next chapter in that story, hasn’t had the opportunity to prove himself on the field in a full-time role just yet. But that time is coming, and the expectations will be immense. It’s one thing for fans or media to speculate on his future—it’s another for a current star quarterback like Ewers to stake his reputation on a prediction of greatness.

There’s something poetic about one elite quarterback passing the baton to another, especially in a place like Texas, where football isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life. If Ewers departs after 2025 with a Big 12 (or SEC) championship and a playoff win under his belt, he’ll be remembered as the man who brought Texas back into the national spotlight. And if his words about Arch Manning prove true, he may also be remembered as the one who helped usher in the next era.

Only time will tell if Ewers’ forecast holds water. College football is unpredictable, and Manning still has to earn the job, win games, and meet sky-high expectations. But for now, the endorsement from Quinn Ewers is more than just locker room chatter—it’s a meaningful glimpse into what may be next for one of the sport’s most compelling young players.

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Ewers to see if he can elevate Texas to new heights. But just over his shoulder, quietly waiting and preparing, is the quarterback who may be tasked with carrying the torch. And according to Ewers, that torch will be in very capable hands.