As the 2025 college football season approaches, all eyes are on Arch Manning, the Texas quarterback stepping into the starting role for the first time after waiting behind Quinn Ewers.
Manning brings a famous name and plenty of hype, but his on-field resume remains limited compared to the expectations placed on him. The spotlight is nothing new for Texas, but the stakes feel higher than ever as Manning draws comparisons to legends like Tim Tebow.
Amid the buzz, Heisman winner Cam Newton offers a message of patience and perspective, reminding fans that development matters more than immediate playing time.
From Tim Tebow to Quinn Ewers: Why Patience Could Be Arch Manning’s Greatest Strength
Cam Newton, who knows a thing or two about waiting for an opportunity, recently reflected on his own journey during an episode of his podcast, 4th&1 with Cam Newton. Newton started his college career at Florida behind Tebow, then found success at Auburn, winning a Heisman Trophy and a national title in 2010.
According to Newton, his time behind Tebow shaped his approach to leadership and self-confidence.
“After three years, you can put yourself in a position to go to the league,” Newton said. “That doesn’t mean that I’m going somewhere where I can play early or start. Just because you’re starting doesn’t mean you’re getting developed…I’ve always felt like I was more talented than Tim Tebow, but I needed Tim Tebow to show me what I lacked. Tim Tebow is an unbelievable leader, verbally and by action.”
“Go somewhere that’ll get you to the league in 3 years.”@CameronNewton breaks down why Arch Manning made the right choice at Texas, and why playing early isn’t always the goal pic.twitter.com/eR8gBmDPQt
— 4th&1 with Cam Newton (@4thand1show) July 2, 2025
Newton draws a direct parallel to Manning’s situation at Texas, where Manning spent time behind Ewers before becoming the starter.
“Arch Manning would be a fool if he has not learned anything from Quinn Ewers, how he prepared, how he led his team, and just how he handled and managed the expectations for being a quarterback at a university like Texas,” Newton said. He believes Manning’s patience will pay off, especially with the legacy Ewers leaves behind.
Ewers’ impact on Texas was significant. As a top-15 all-time recruit who transferred from Ohio State, Ewers helped lead the Longhorns to a 33–10 record over three years.
Under his guidance, Texas made back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances and won the Big 12 Championship in 2023 before Ewers was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the NFL Draft.
His stat sheet was impressive, too: Ewers set the Texas record for most 300-yard passing games in a season (6), and he holds Big 12 title game records for single-game passing yards (452) and touchdowns (4).
Newton argues that Manning was smart to wait his turn, emphasizing the importance of development over immediate playing time.
“They went into the University of Texas with the understanding that they’re trying to put Arch Manning in the best situation to be developed over time,” Newton said. “It’s not about playing. That’s going to come.
“But who’s going to develop this specific talent to be the best talent by the time he’s eligible to go to the next level? A lot of these parents and a lot of these players get so jaded off of the fact that, hey, I’m trying to play early…Go somewhere.”
So far, Manning’s college career includes 969 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions across 12 appearances, with two starts.
While those numbers are modest, the real test begins now as he takes over the starting job. The pressure is on, but Manning has the benefit of learning from Ewers’ example and the support of coaches who have prioritized his long-term growth.
Heisman Hype and the Road Ahead for Arch Manning
On June 1, 2025, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum added to the growing excitement around Manning. On ESPN’s “Get Up,” Finebaum suggested that Manning could lead Texas to a national championship and earn a spot at the Heisman ceremony.
“I think there’s a reasonably good chance that Arch Manning will be sitting on the front row at the Heisman ceremony,” Finebaum said. “That’s assuming that his team does what it’s supposed to do and compete for not only the SEC, but for the national championship. And I really believe they will.”
“Arch Manning is the best college football quarterback we have seen since Tim Tebow entered the scene in 2006.”
—@finebaum on Arch Manning 👀 pic.twitter.com/vTm9buTfKX
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) July 1, 2025
Newton, while praising Manning’s patience and development, also commended Ewers’ leadership and preparation, saying Manning could learn a lot from his predecessor.
Meanwhile, Finebaum criticized head coach Steve Sarkisian for sticking with an injured Ewers in last year’s semifinal against Ohio State. Finebaum argued that inserting Manning in the second half could have changed the outcome and led Texas to a national title.
“I think Steve Sarkisian, who’s one of the most amazing play callers I’ve ever seen, made a critical mistake late in the year,” Finebaum said. “He was way too loyal to Quinn Ewers who was banged up and was really ineffective.
“Had Arch Manning instituted in the second half of that game (against Ohio State in the semifinals), like (former Alabama head coach) Nick Saban did a couple of years ago with Tua Tagovailoa, I think there’s a reasonably good chance that Texas beats Ohio State, and wins the national championship,” Finebaum said.
Newton and Finebaum both bring up Tebow when discussing Manning, but for different reasons. Newton highlights how sitting behind a leader like Tebow helped shape his own career, while Finebaum compares Manning’s potential impact to Tebow’s arrival in college football.
As Texas prepares for a high-profile Week 1 matchup against Ohio State, the pressure on Manning is undeniable. The contrast between past and future at Texas is sharp, but both Newton and Finebaum agree that Manning’s measured approach could set him up for a standout season and, potentially, a run at the Heisman.
