Arch Manning under fire after Ewers’ Miami meltdown

Arch Manning hasn’t taken the field yet this season, but the Texas Longhorns quarterback is already facing a media storm. The heir to a legendary football dynasty is being criticized—oddly enough—for something he didn’t even do. The trigger? Quinn Ewers’ shaky debut with the Miami Dolphins, which raised more questions than answers.

Quinn Ewers, who started for Texas over the past two seasons, struggled in his first NFL preseason game. Against the Chicago Bears’ backup defense, he completed just 5 of 18 passes for 91 yards and was sacked twice. Social media lit up, with many wondering how Arch Manning couldn’t beat out Ewers for the starting job in college if this was the level he was up against.

Social media backlash

“How bad is Arch if he couldn’t start over this guy?” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter). Another added, “Texas is doomed if Arch Manning couldn’t beat Ewers.” The criticism, while viral, ignores the bigger picture. Quinn Ewers had a solid college career, throwing for over 9,000 yards and 68 touchdowns. He also led Texas to a national semifinal in their first year in the SEC.

Arch Manning couldn’t beat this guy out????? Oh brother Texas is cooked 😭😭😭😭

— Texas Didn’t Score on 1st & Goal (@Mateer4Heisman_) August 10, 2025

According to Marca, head coach Steve Sarkisian has always valued loyalty and effort, which explains why Quinn Ewers remained the starter. Arch Manning, meanwhile, has been patient. At 21, he’s waiting for his moment, carrying the weight of a last name that’s as heavy as a trophy. His official debut is set for August 30 against Ohio State, and all eyes will be on him.

Falling from the top

But the latest blow didn’t come from the field—it came from the betting markets. Manning dropped from favorite to fifth in the odds to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Drew Allar (Penn State) and Garrett Nussmeier (LSU) now lead the projections. Even his grandfather, Archie Manning, said Arch isn’t rushing to the NFL, following the path of Peyton and Eli, who also waited for the right moment.

Arch Manning’s story is far from over. But his chapter at Texas begins with more pressure than praise. The big question now is whether he can turn doubt into applause. His name carries weight—but now it’s his talent that has to speak.