The Texas Longhorns suffered a heartbreaking defeat to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl, marking the end of Quinn Ewers‘ college football career and the official beginning of Arch Manning’s tenure as starting quarterback in Austin.
Throughout the season, there was much talk surrounding Ewers and Manning, with many fans and outsiders calling for the backup to take over the starting job after Ewers had a few underwhelming performances.
Despite the challenges, both signal-callers remained close and withstood the criticism together, proving that the burnt orange roster was tightly knit. That brotherhood carried them to a CFP semifinal in the 2024 NCAA campaign, though they fell just short of their ultimate goal.
Ahead of Arch’s long-awaited starting season, during his third year at The Forty Acres, the 19-year-old quarterback revealed one final lesson Ewers taught him as they walked off the field after the disappointing loss against the Buckeyes.
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Quinn Ewers #3 of the Texas Longhorns walks off the field after losing to the Ohio State Buckeyes 28-14 in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium on January 10, 2025 in Arlington, Texas.
“Enjoy every moment, it goes away quickly,” Ewers told Manning after the defeat against Ohio State in an emotional farewell advice, as Arch revealed to ESPN.
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Led by example
It was clear that Ewers fully embraced college football, as many believed he would use his final year of eligibility to transfer elsewhere and become a starter. However, his love and passion for his hometown Longhorns were greater, and he respected the school too much to wear any color other than burnt orange.
Ewers’ final piece of advice to Manning reflects his nostalgia about stepping aside from Texas and moving on to the next chapter of his career. Manning has grown accustomed to the spotlight and patiently waited for his turn to lead the Longhorns. While there’s no doubt he has the skill to do so, Ewers made sure to remind him not to take it for granted and to stop and enjoy the view.
Revenge time
Texas is now over the loss to the Buckeyes, though eager to avenge it when both schools face off during the opening weekend of the 2025 NCAA season. However, neither team will be looking identical.
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Arch Manning attends the game between the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on November 20, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Texas will be commanded by their quarterback of the future, Manning, while the Buckeyes will also be moving on from their national champion signal caller, Will Howard, and his spot will be taken up by Julian Sayin.
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Though both teams will look different, the names and logos on their helmets tell the whole story. When the Longhorns and Buckeyes clash on August 30, fireworks are guaranteed.