“QB COMPARISON FROM THE INSIDE: Texas WR DeAndre Moore Breaks Down Key Differences Between Arch Manning and Quinn Ewers During Fall Camp”
The Texas Longhorns’ quarterback room remains one of the most watched and discussed in all of college football, and this fall camp has only added more fuel to the fire. As the team enters the 2025 season with national championship hopes, the battle—or coexistence—between Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning remains at the center of attention. But when speculation abounds, few voices offer as much clarity as that of the players who line up with both quarterbacks every day. Wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr., one of Texas’ emerging playmakers, recently opened up about the distinct qualities of Ewers and Manning during fall camp, offering a revealing glimpse into what separates the two generational talents. His observations didn’t just reflect the physical or technical attributes of each quarterback—they provided a lens into their personalities, leadership styles, and how each commands the offense in his own way.
Moore’s comments came after a grueling practice session in Austin’s summer heat, where both quarterbacks had been putting on a display for coaches, media, and teammates alike. When asked about what he saw in each of them, Moore didn’t hesitate to point out their unique strengths. He began by praising Quinn Ewers, now entering his third season at Texas, as someone who exudes poise and command. According to Moore, Ewers has taken on the role of leader not just because of his experience, but because of his growing confidence and ability to anticipate where the ball needs to go. Ewers, who famously reclassified and enrolled early at Ohio State before transferring to Texas, has always carried the burden of being a five-star phenom. But Moore noted that this year, Ewers looks like someone who’s not just trying to live up to expectations—he’s trying to exceed them.
One key difference Moore noted was in how Ewers processes the game at the line of scrimmage. “With Quinn, you can just tell he’s seen it all before,” Moore said. “He’s cool, he’s calm, and he makes adjustments fast. He knows where I’m gonna be even before I break out of my route. It’s like he’s thinking two plays ahead sometimes.” That anticipation and calm demeanor are what have solidified Ewers’ status as the presumptive starter, despite the immense talent waiting behind him. Moore emphasized how Ewers’ chemistry with his receivers has only grown stronger, especially with players like Xavier Worthy now in the NFL and others needing to step up into larger roles.
Then, as the conversation turned to Arch Manning, Moore’s face lit up with excitement. “Arch is just different, man. He’s got this energy—like he’s always hungry,” Moore said. “He’s real vocal, always talking, always asking questions. And he’s got a cannon, too. You see it right away when he throws it. It just jumps off his hand.” The freshman from the famed Manning lineage has been a subject of intense scrutiny ever since his high school days, but inside the Texas locker room, he’s earning respect not because of his last name but because of his relentless work ethic. Moore noted how Arch spends extra hours studying film, working on timing with receivers, and staying behind after practice to refine small details. That commitment, Moore suggested, is already making a visible impact on the field.
While Ewers is seen as the steady hand, the veteran with big-game experience, Manning is viewed as the passionate competitor constantly pushing to prove himself. Moore was quick to highlight how the two quarterbacks differ in communication style as well. “Quinn, he’s real chill. He’ll give you that little nod or just call you over quietly. But Arch? Arch will get you hyped. He’ll yell, clap, get the huddle going. You feel his fire. It’s contagious,” Moore said. That contrast has created a healthy dynamic in the quarterback room—one where the seasoned vet sets the tempo and the young challenger injects enthusiasm and competitiveness.
Moore also brought up how both quarterbacks adapt to adversity. During fall camp scrimmages, when faced with pressure or a busted play, their reactions showcased their contrasting mindsets. Ewers, according to Moore, tends to reset quickly. “He just shrugs it off and goes right back to the next play like nothing happened,” Moore said. “It’s like he’s got a short memory. That’s big for a quarterback.” Manning, on the other hand, uses mistakes as fuel. “You’ll see him get mad at himself, but in a good way. He wants to fix it right there. He’ll come over and say, ‘Run that again. I got you this time,’” Moore added.
One area where both quarterbacks seem to thrive is deep ball accuracy, something Moore—who thrives on stretching the field—has greatly appreciated. He recalled a play from practice where both quarterbacks hit him in stride on back-to-back reps during a drill. “I was thinking, ‘Damn, we got two dudes who can flat-out sling it.’ That’s a good problem to have,” Moore said with a smile. As Texas transitions into the SEC, having that kind of quarterback depth will be crucial, especially given the physical demands and high-stakes matchups the Longhorns will face week in and week out.
Moore also touched on how Steve Sarkisian has handled the quarterback situation. According to the receiver, Sarkisian hasn’t played favorites and has allowed both Ewers and Manning to earn their reps. “Coach Sark is all about competition. He’s not handing anybody anything. You gotta show it every day,” Moore said. That mindset has trickled down to every position group, fueling a culture of accountability and hunger that Texas fans haven’t seen in years.
The Longhorns’ offensive scheme, which thrives on spacing, tempo, and quick reads, requires quarterbacks who are both cerebral and fearless. Moore believes that both Ewers and Manning fit the mold but do so in different ways. Ewers brings polish and rhythm, while Manning brings improvisation and boldness. “With Quinn, it’s all timing. That ball is out fast, and it’s exactly where it needs to be. With Arch, it’s like, ‘Let me make something happen.’ He’ll move around, create space, and then boom—it’s in your chest,” Moore explained.
Off the field, Moore described both quarterbacks as approachable, humble, and team-first guys. “There’s no ego with either of them,” he said. “They joke around with us, hang out in the locker room, do the same workouts. You can tell they care about this team, not just their spot.” That unity, Moore believes, is what will carry Texas far this season. In a landscape where quarterback controversies can fracture locker rooms, the Longhorns appear to be embracing theirs as a strength, not a liability.
The synergy between Moore and his quarterbacks has already become a storyline to watch. A rising star with elite speed and route-running precision, Moore is poised for a breakout campaign, and the connection he’s forging with both signal-callers could define his season. When asked which quarterback he prefers catching passes from, Moore just laughed and shook his head. “Man, that’s like asking me to choose between Jordans and Yeezys. They both hit different.”
Texas enters the 2025 season with lofty expectations, and the offense will once again be the focal point of their championship aspirations. Whether Ewers continues as the starter throughout the season or Arch Manning gets his shot down the line, the Longhorns are uniquely positioned with two quarterbacks capable of leading the charge. Moore’s insights not only shed light on the differences between the two but also highlight why Texas might have the most enviable quarterback situation in the country.
As fall camp continues, all eyes will remain on the quarterback competition in Austin. But if DeAndre Moore’s words are any indication, the focus inside the program is less about who starts and more about how each player contributes to the team’s ultimate goal. Moore’s behind-the-scenes glimpse reminds fans that beyond the headlines, beyond the five-star ratings and family legacies, it’s about grit, chemistry, and the unrelenting pursuit of greatness. And in that pursuit, the Longhorns just might have found the perfect balance between fire and finesse, youth and experience, future and present—all wrapped into two very different but equally electric quarterbacks.
