Kirk Herbstreit dismisses criticism of Arch Manning, believes in Quinn Ewers

Just when Texas thought there was some quarterback stability in Quinn Ewers, Arch Manning stepped on campus. Rated a Five-Star Plus+ prospect and the No. 1 overall player in the 2023 class, Manning came to Austin with plenty of buzz surrounding his name. Enough for people to wonder if he was going to be able to win the starting job heading into next season.

Then, everything came crashing down following a spring game performance. Once a favorite to take Ewers’ job was suddenly not any good after running with the third-team offense against future NFL players on defense.

Those in Austin are not too concerned and neither is ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit. Speaking with On3’s J.D. PicKella the On3 NIL Elite Series, Herbstreit understands why Manning gained a ton of attention only to be ripped to shreds by the public. Ewers was always going to be the guy and was not going to lose his ability just because Manning showed up.

“He’s been on campus for a few weeks and we’re going to sit there and have definitive comments about who he is,” Herbstreit said. “I wasn’t surprised. It’s the world we’re in. What’s the latest name? Quinn Ewers was the most anticipated brand name to come out of high school football in forever. And then all of a sudden, here comes Arch Manning. ‘What about Arch?’ ‘Well, the guy you just threw to the side is supposed to be really good.'”

Ewers was highly rated himself coming out of high school. He was the No. 3 overall prospect in the class of 2021 and the top quarterback. Herbstreit is right, plenty of attention followed him to Columbus after his shock decision to reclassify. Even if the aftermath was rocky, there is still confidence from Herbstreit Ewers can be a star in college football.

Quinn Ewers ready to overcome tough year, step into role at Texas

Not too many high school/college athletes experienced what Quinn Ewers did in 2021. One minute, he is preparing for his senior season at Southlake Carroll High School, and the next he was enrolled at Ohio State where there was no established starting quarterback.

Ewers most likely blinked again and found himself in Austin, competing for the starting job ahead of the 2022 season against Hudson Card. Point is — the transition to college has been tough for Ewers. Herbstreit thinks taking a deep breath and learning over the past year will help Ewers heading into an important year for Texas.

“Talking and listening to Texas folks off the air, it sounded like it was pretty obvious and the experience — think about what he’s been through,” Herbstreit said. “He went to Ohio State as essentially a senior in high school. Ends up going back, transfers to Texas back home. Deals with a lot of scrutiny. What that does is harden you. When you can become a hardened veteran, you become a different guy.

“Not to mention how he played last year. There were some ups but there were some downs and he had to endure that. What you see now, even though he’s only in his first year being done, is a guy that’s been through it, and I think it allows him to play at a different level of maturity.

Herbstreit has belief in Ewers, thinking this will be his opportunity to shine. Manning can be considered the quarterback of the future for Texas once No. 3 is off and running in the NFL.

“Arch probably has a really bright future but for me, right now, it’s Quinn Ewers’ chance,” Herbstreit said. “It’s his opportunity, it’s his team, and until he leaves, I think that will be the case. Then we’ll see what Arch can do down the road.”