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Quinn Ewers to start over Arch Manning, as Texas' Steve Sarkisian commits to his QB

Texas quarterback controversy? Not on Steve Sarkisian's watch.

The Texas football coach announced on Wednesday's National Signing Day press conference that there would be no debate on who is the starting quarterback in 2024. Senior Quinn Ewers will be starting over former top recruit Arch Manning, who will sit another year.

More: Texas football should have a quiet national signing day after all its December signings

"Quinn's our starter," Sarkisian said.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) runs the ball during the Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff semifinals game against the Washington Huskies at the Caesars Superdome on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) runs the ball during the Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff semifinals game against the Washington Huskies at the Caesars Superdome on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Ewers showed improvement from his first year of starting to 2023, leading his team to the College Football Playoff and setting career-highs in passing yards, touchdowns and completion percentage. While he was eligible for the 2024 NFL draft, Sarkisian says that there's still plenty of room for Ewers to grow and that returning to the team will be good for him.

"I don't think that Quinn was a finished product yet. And I think there's there's plenty of room for growth and improvement in development in his game, going into year three," the coach said. "I do think his experience, his maturity are all going to be things he can benefit from."

Manning, nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, kept his redshirt showing up only in blowout games yet generating massive buzz anyways. Sarkisian was impressed with the way the freshman improved throughout the season despite not seeing real game action.

Despite already committing to a starter the coach was complimentary of Manning, talking about the on the field and off the field talents he brings to the program.

"I think Arch has got an extremely bright future. We're very fortunate to to have him on our roster. He's got great leadership skills, got a great skill set," Sarkisian said.

With Texas already having signed their players for the 2024 class, National Signing Day didn't feature much drama on that front. The Longhorns have already welcomed most of their players to campus, with a few coming later in June after graduation.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Quinn Ewers start for Texas football in 2024, Steve Sarkisian says