The quarterback position has always been the focal point of college football programs, and for the Texas Longhorns, the stakes are particularly high. As one of the most storied programs in the sport’s history, Texas has continuously sought to develop and recruit top-tier quarterbacks capable of leading the team to championships. After a few years of instability and uncertainty at the position, the Longhorns have emerged with a promising future under quarterback Quinn Ewers and the highly anticipated arrival of Arch Manning, one of the most highly recruited quarterbacks in recent memory. However, with both players vying for the starting role, the emergence of the transfer portal in recent years has created additional competition for the starting job, providing Texas with an opportunity to strengthen its quarterback room even further. As the Longhorns prepare for the 2025 season and beyond, the decision to consider adding a quarterback from the transfer portal could play a pivotal role in shaping the program’s future success.
The Transfer Portal and Its Role in Modern College Football
The transfer portal has fundamentally reshaped college football in recent years, providing players with the freedom to transfer to new programs without sitting out a season, provided they meet certain academic and eligibility requirements. This system has opened up a whole new avenue for players to explore better opportunities, and for programs like Texas, it has given them the ability to rapidly address roster needs, even in the middle of a season or during offseason recruiting.
For Texas, the transfer portal has proven to be a powerful tool for bolstering both talent and depth. Over the past few years, Texas has taken advantage of this new recruiting landscape to bring in key players at various positions, from running backs to wide receivers. The quarterback position, in particular, has been one of the areas where the transfer portal has had a major impact, with several teams around the country securing experienced and highly talented signal-callers who are ready to step in and make an immediate impact.
Given the competitive nature of the quarterback position, Texas’ coaching staff, led by Steve Sarkisian, will likely explore all available options for reinforcements, even though they already have two highly talented quarterbacks in Ewers and Manning. The emergence of the transfer portal presents a strategic opportunity to not only enhance the competition but potentially add a quarterback who can provide both immediate depth and long-term stability.
The Current QB Landscape: Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning
Before diving into potential transfer portal targets, it’s important to assess the current state of Texas’ quarterback room, which is arguably one of the most high-profile in the nation.
Quinn Ewers enters his junior season as the clear starting quarterback for Texas. After transferring from Ohio State in 2022, Ewers showed flashes of brilliance in his first year as the Longhorns’ starter, but also displayed moments of inconsistency that raised questions about his long-term potential. Ewers possesses a powerful arm and elite physical tools that make him a potential first-round NFL draft pick, but his ability to make consistent decisions, manage the game, and deliver on the big stage will be critical to Texas’ success moving forward. Heading into the 2024 season, Ewers will need to prove he can take that next step, developing the consistency and leadership qualities that are essential for a championship-caliber quarterback.
On the other hand, Arch Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, is one of the most hyped recruits in college football history. His arrival in Austin was met with enormous expectations, and for good reason. Manning’s pedigree, combined with his skill set as a highly accurate passer with excellent mobility, makes him a highly promising future star. However, as with most true freshmen, Manning will need time to adjust to the college game. Though many fans expect him to be the future face of the Texas program, it’s not guaranteed that he’ll step into a starting role immediately. Manning, who enrolled early and will have a chance to participate in spring practices, could find himself competing for the starting role in 2025, especially if Ewers departs for the NFL after the 2024 season.
While both Ewers and Manning are immensely talented, there are still several unknowns. The competition between the two will undoubtedly be fierce, and there’s no guarantee that either will immediately fulfill the lofty expectations set for them. While both quarterbacks are highly capable of leading the Longhorns, the pressure to perform at a high level, especially in a loaded Big 12, could prove to be a challenge.
Why Texas Should Consider the Transfer Portal for Quarterbacks
Even with Ewers and Manning in the mix, Texas has legitimate reasons to consider bringing in another quarterback from the transfer portal. The benefits of adding another signal-caller to the room are numerous, ranging from depth and competition to ensuring that the Longhorns maintain stability at the most important position on the field.
1. Depth and Injury Insurance
Quarterback depth is often overlooked until it’s too late. Injuries can derail an entire season, and the last thing Texas wants is to be in a position where neither Ewers nor Manning is available due to injury. While both quarterbacks have shown durability in their young careers, college football is a physically demanding game, and the quarterback position is particularly vulnerable. Having a proven backup who can step in and lead the offense if needed is an insurance policy that any program should consider.
2. Competition to Push Ewers and Manning
While Ewers and Manning will likely battle it out for the starting role, introducing a capable quarterback from the transfer portal could elevate the competition within the position room. A high-level transfer could challenge both quarterbacks, pushing them to improve and ensuring that no player becomes complacent. Competition breeds excellence, and bringing in another talented player could further refine the skills of both Ewers and Manning.
3. A Veteran Leader
If Texas is able to land a quarterback from the transfer portal who has significant experience in a Power 5 conference, that player could provide a leadership presence in the quarterback room. While Manning has the potential to be a future leader and Ewers has some experience as a starter, the addition of a veteran quarterback could provide invaluable guidance. A transfer with significant playing time under their belt could help the younger quarterbacks adjust to the grind of a college football season, particularly in the Big 12, where every game is a battle.
4. Post-Ewers Transition
As Ewers potentially prepares to enter the NFL after the 2024 season, the Longhorns will need to prepare for the transition to Manning as the full-time starter. While Manning is the future face of the program, adding a transfer quarterback with starting experience could smooth this transition. Having a capable backup who can take over if needed could alleviate any pressure from Manning and allow him to develop at his own pace.
5. A Stronger QB Room
The more talented quarterbacks Texas has in its room, the better its chances of success. Even if the Longhorns only plan to bring in a quarterback as a backup or for added depth, the presence of a strong third option will help bolster the program’s overall stability at the position. Given the importance of quarterback play in college football, Texas cannot afford to overlook the possibility of bringing in a transfer who could provide both immediate depth and long-term potential.
Potential QB Targets in the Transfer Portal
Several quarterbacks in the transfer portal could be viable options for Texas, depending on the program’s needs and the available pool of talent. Some of these players have experience as starting quarterbacks at Power 5 programs, while others are younger but highly talented players looking for a fresh start.
1. Riley Leonard (Duke) Riley Leonard had a standout season at Duke, showing the ability to lead the Blue Devils to competitive games in the ACC. With his dual-threat capability and solid decision-making, Leonard could be an intriguing option for Texas as a backup who could provide a change of pace if needed.
2. DJ Uiagalelei (Clemson/Oregon State) Once a top recruit at Clemson, DJ Uiagalelei transferred to Oregon State after losing the starting job at Clemson. Despite his struggles with consistency at Clemson, Uiagalelei’s physical gifts and experience as a starter in high-pressure environments make him a potential target for Texas. His arm strength, mobility, and leadership qualities could make him a valuable asset to the Longhorns’ quarterback room.
3. Hudson Card (Purdue) Hudson Card, a former Texas quarterback who transferred to Purdue, could be an interesting reunion option for the Longhorns. Card’s familiarity with the system and Texas culture would make his transition back to Austin smoother than for other transfer quarterbacks. If Card seeks another opportunity to compete for playing time, Texas could offer him a platform to contribute to the team’s success.
4. Grayson McCall (Coastal Carolina) Grayson McCall has been one of the most consistent and productive quarterbacks in the Group of Five conferences. Known for his precision and leadership, McCall could be an excellent fit for Texas as an experienced backup who could step in if needed.
Conclusion
The Texas Longhorns are in a unique position with two highly talented quarterbacks in Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning, both of whom have the potential to lead the program to great heights. However, with the competitive nature of the quarterback position, the uncertainty surrounding injuries, and the looming transition after Ewers’ potential departure, the Longhorns would be wise to consider adding a quarterback from the transfer portal. By doing so, Texas would not only add depth to the position but also inject a healthy level of competition and leadership into a key area of their roster. With the pressure of high expectations on both Ewers and Manning, the decision to pursue a transfer quarterback could be a critical move for Texas in ensuring a successful and stable future at the quarterback position.
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