Texas Longhorns’ Quarterback Decision Looms Ahead of Mississippi State Clash

As the Texas Longhorns gear up for their first SEC matchup of the season against Mississippi State, the quarterback situation remains the hottest topic of conversation. Head coach Steve Sarkisian is holding off on making a decision, leaving everyone—from fans to the Bulldogs' defense—wondering who will take the snaps under center on Saturday.

“We’re going to decide on the quarterback thing tomorrow,” Sarkisian told reporters on Thursday, per ESPN's Dave Wilson.

“It won’t be a secret. We’re not trying to pull the wool over anybody’s eyes. Just want to give Quinn every opportunity to see if he’s ready to play and what he looks like.”

For now, Sarkisian is juggling the decision between Quinn Ewers, the seasoned junior who started the year with a bang, and Arch Manning, the highly-touted freshman who stepped in when Ewers was sidelined with an oblique strain. The stakes are high, with Texas entering a critical point in their season and needing to maintain their unbeaten record. It’s not just about who’s ready, but about who can deliver the performance the Longhorns need at this crucial juncture.

Ewers had been performing at a high level before his injury, leading the Longhorns to a 3-0 start and completing 73.4% of his passes for 691 yards and eight touchdowns in those three games. He’s shown poise and maturity, traits that Texas needs as they navigate their SEC debut. There’s no question about Ewers’ talent; the only concern is whether his body is ready for the physicality of SEC play after being out with the oblique strain.

He suffered the injury during Texas’ 56-7 rout of UTSA, leaving the game in the second quarter. Enter Arch Manning, who immediately took the spotlight, leading Texas to a decisive victory in the following game against Louisiana-Monroe. Manning’s first career start was a mixed bag, though. He threw for 258 yards and two touchdowns, but also had two interceptions, showing signs of both brilliance and inexperience.

In my opinion, the biggest challenge for Sarkisian isn’t just determining who’s healthier or who performed better last week—it’s finding the quarterback who can execute his game plan against an SEC opponent. Manning’s start was solid, but the pressure of facing Mississippi State is on another level. The Bulldogs won’t be as forgiving as Louisiana-Monroe, and with the Longhorns stepping into SEC territory, this game could serve as a real indicator of how Texas stacks up against tougher competition.

Sarkisian acknowledged that Ewers’ availability would depend on his performance in practice throughout the week. “He’s got to do enough to show me he can play,” Sarkisian said. “Can he execute the game plan?” It’s clear that Sarkisian isn’t just looking for a quarterback who can make the throws—he needs someone who can step into this pivotal game and manage the pressure, the pace, and the expectations that come with it.

What makes this decision particularly tricky is the timing. After the Mississippi State game, Texas has a bye week before taking on No. 21 Oklahoma on October 12 in a highly anticipated Red River Rivalry matchup. If Ewers isn’t quite ready to return, the extra rest could give him enough time to fully recover for the Sooners. But if Sarkisian chooses to start Manning again, how will the freshman handle the high stakes? Would that put even more pressure on a young quarterback still finding his rhythm?

Personally, I think if Ewers is even close to ready, Sarkisian should lean in his direction. Manning, while incredibly promising, is still green. The freshman may have navigated his first start with flashes of potential, but the SEC is a different beast, and Texas needs experience in the pocket if they want to maintain their perfect season and continue their path toward the College Football Playoff. Ewers, with his stronger completion rate and a higher level of confidence from his time in the program, has the poise needed for a high-pressure game.

However, I also think Sarkisian has a real ace up his sleeve in Manning. The freshman, despite some hiccups, has proven he can step into the fire when needed and hold his own. If he’s called upon again to start against Mississippi State, I believe he’ll rise to the occasion. Manning is a competitor, and even with limited game experience, he’s already shown flashes of brilliance that could shine through with the right game plan. That said, starting him again against a more challenging SEC opponent could be a gamble, one that Sarkisian will have to weigh very carefully.

The outcome of this decision could set the tone for the rest of Texas’ season. An SEC debut is always high stakes, but with Texas aiming to stay unbeaten and Ewers’ health in question, the situation becomes even more precarious. On the other hand, if Manning starts and performs well, it could be a glimpse into Texas’ future—a signal that the Longhorns have a young quarterback capable of leading them through the toughest challenges the SEC has to offer.

Texas fans, no doubt, are eager to see which direction Sarkisian will go. Will it be the reliable Ewers, returning from injury and ready to prove he’s still the team’s top choice? Or will it be the young and ambitious Manning, hungry to take advantage of the opportunity and further cement his place in Longhorns lore? Whatever the decision, the anticipation is building, and the Mississippi State game promises to be a defining moment in Texas' 2024 campaign.

As the Longhorns prepare for their SEC debut, one thing is clear: the quarterback decision isn’t just about this Saturday—it could shape the entire trajectory of Texas' season. And with Oklahoma looming on the horizon, every choice Sarkisian makes now will ripple through the weeks to come.

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Cover Photo Courtesy of Texas Longhorns Athletics