The Texas Longhorns are entering a new era. With Quinn Ewers off to the NFL, the spotlight now turns to Arch Manning, one of the most hyped quarterbacks in CFB. Wide receiver Ryan Wingo, one of Texas’ most experienced players, has had the rare chance to play with both Ewers and Manning. He thrived under Ewers and is expected to be a key weapon again in the 2025-26 season. But how does Wingo compare the two star quarterbacks?
Texas WR Ryan Wingo on Arch Manning vs. Quinn Ewers
Last season, Texas had one of the country’s deepest receiving groups around QB Ewers. The unit will still be strong in the 2025-26 season but’ll look very different. With Matthew Golden, Isaiah Bond, and Gunnar Helm all gone, Texas will rely on a mix of transfers, young talent, and returning players to step up.
One name to watch is Wingo. After a solid freshman year with 29 catches for 472 yards and two touchdowns, Wingo is expected to take on a much bigger role in Steve Sarkisian’s offense.
Now the second-most experienced receiver on the team (behind DeAndre Moore Jr.), he’ll likely be a top target for QB1 Manning. Wingo’s two touchdowns last season came with Manning being the quarterback against UTSA and ULM, showing an early connection between the two. That chemistry could be key in 2025.
When recently asked about the difference between catching passes from Manning and Ewers, Wingo gave a short but telling response: “No comment.” It was a tricky question, but many fans saw it as the perfect answer, avoiding comparisons that some consider unnecessary or unfair.
Texas Longhorns WR Ryan Wingo when asked about the difference between catching passes from Arch Manning and Quinn Ewers.
“No comment.”— Zach Dimmitt (@ZachDimmitt7) August 14, 2025
Insiders say Manning and Wingo connected for three touchdowns during scrimmage sessions. This is a sign of a growing connection that Texas will need this season for the offense to reach its full potential.
Arch Manning and Ryan Wingo were on FIRE today🔥
The dynamic duo connected for 3 TDs🤘
One of which was a red zone TD👀 pic.twitter.com/63OrSPrjYQ
— Inside Texas (@InsideTexas) August 9, 2025
Wingo is starting to look like the star fans hoped for when he arrived as a freshman. He made several big plays last year and continues to impress with his ability to stretch the field and make defenders miss in the screen game. At 6’2″, 214 pounds, he’s strong in contested catches and dangerous in the open.
Last season, Wingo was somewhat overlooked because of standout receivers like Golden and Bond. But now, with both gone, it’s Wingo’s time to shine as the likely go-to target for Manning.
He’s one of the most talented players on the roster and has the tools to be not just Texas’s WR1, but possibly one of the SEC’s top receivers in 2025.
Wingo was nearly unguardable in a scrimmage where the defense mostly dominated. If he and Manning can carry that chemistry into the season, Texas will have a real shot to make noise, starting with a huge matchup in Columbus.
