In a revealing interview, former Texas Longhorns quarterback Chris Simms made waves when he suggested that Texas may have “pushed Quinn Ewers out the door” in favor of rising star Arch Manning. The comment has added fuel to the ongoing debate about Texas football’s direction at quarterback, especially as the team heads into a pivotal season opener against Ohio State.
Ewers had a strong college career and helped lead Texas to two College Football Playoff appearances. The move to start Manning could reflect not only the young quarterback’s talent, but also his family name, long-term upside, and marketing power.
Chris Simms Says Arch Manning Hype Pushed Quinn Ewers Out Before Texas’ 2025 Clash vs Ohio State
Talking about the Longhorns’ season opener against Ohio State, Simms didn’t hold back. “I think one of the reasons they maybe pushed Quinn Ewers out the door was because of the potential and talent of Arch Manning,” Simms said on “The Dan Patrick Show.”
He continued, “You have a quarterback like Arch Manning, he’s in the Heisman conversation. You’re the number one team in the country. Man, you might not have to pay all these guys as much to even come there after that because everybody’s going to want to jump on the bandwagon.”
It’s a strong statement, especially considering Ewers’ impressive résumé. The junior QB had been a consistent performer for Texas. In 2024, Ewers completed over 66% of his passes and was on preseason watchlists for nearly every major quarterback award, including the Davey O’Brien and Maxwell Awards.
He opened the season with strong performances, 260 yards and 3 touchdowns against Colorado State, followed by another 246 yards and 3 scores on the road against No. 10 Michigan.
Ewers had started 35 career games, compiled a 21-4 record over the past two seasons, and was the only Texas QB to lead the team to back-to-back College Football Playoff berths since Colt McCoy’s BCS run in 2008–09.
Simms Backs Manning as Texas Bets Big on $40M Title Run
But talent and timing wait for no one. Arch, the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, enters the season as Texas’s projected starter and a dark horse Heisman Trophy contender.
While his last name undeniably boosts his visibility, Simms was quick to defend Manning’s on-field ability. “He runs a 4.5, he’s got a quick release, he can spin the ball. There’s enough proof in the pudding,” he said.
KEEP READING: Arch Manning Hype Not Enough As Analyst Points to Pressing SEC Concern Holding Texas Back
For evaluators and fans alike, Manning’s pedigree offers comfort, but it’s his physical tools and leadership that are making Texas believers out of skeptics. His high football IQ and poise have been widely praised in offseason practices and scrimmages.
Opening against Ohio State in Columbus will be a big welcome for Manning and Texas. But if Arch lives up to the hype, Simms’ comments may prove prophetic. With Texas now spending nearly $40 million on football, the pressure is sky-high to return to national championship relevance.
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