Arch Manning Makes His Intentions Clear as Quinn Ewers’ Jab on QB Rivalry Finally Bites the Dust

It’s a new dawn for Arch Manning in Texas. With Quinn Ewers off to the NFL after leading the Longhorns to the brink of the national championship, the key to offense now belongs to his 19-year-old replacement. Manning already knows what he wants heading into 2025. And one thing’s for sure–he isn’t interested in rivalry drama. Last year’s Dr. Pepper Fansville commercial jabs can raise doubts about the relationship between the two. But Arch isn’t here to settle scores.

When Arch Manning sat down with Marty Smith during an episode on ESPN College Football on January 31, he made that clear. “I never really think about that,” he bluntly stated when Smith asked him to what degree he desires to create his own identity with his famous last name. “I’m just here to play football. It’s a game I love, grew up playing, you’re out there with your friends playing every Saturday. What could get better than that?” But it’s his next sentence that puts the rivalry narrative to rest — “I’m not here to take someone off their throne. Or like I’m not worried about my legacy. I’m just worried about playing [football] and winning games.”

That’s a mature response for a QB like Arch Manning, who is carrying one of the famous last names in football. As the nephew of NFL legends Eli Manning and Peyton Manning and the grandson of Archie Manning, there’s always a high bar of expectations for him. Despite being the No. 1 recruit in the country in the 2023 class, he feels he hasn’t earned the hype. At least not yet. “I have a lot of undeserved attention,” he confessed. “Hopefully, it gets more deserving in the next few months… I just don’t think I’ve done enough yet.”

And perhaps, Quinn Ewers’ past jab is a motivating factor. Last August, Ewers took a subtle dig at Arch Manning in his role in the commercial campaign with Dr. Pepper. He played the role of Deputy Quinn Ewers in the Fansville ad alongside Brian Bosworth. In the third release, when Sherriff Bosworth called for backup, Ewers played his part saying he doesn’t need backup “even if he has great hair and famous relatives.” Not hard to see who he’s talking about. This past season, Arch Manning didn’t get much playing time to shine behind Quinn Ewers. But it looks like there’s no hatchet to bury between the two.

Arch Manning reveals Quinn Ewers’ parting message

Arch Manning didn’t get much playing time behind Ewers in 2025. Still, he put up a good record with 939 yards and nine touchdowns as well as four rushing scores. Meanwhile, Quinn Ewers is on to a new chapter of his life in the NFL after starting Texas for three seasons leading them to two playoffs. He fell short of the ultimate glory this season after falling to Ohio State in a 28-14 loss in the CFP semifinal game. Now it’s on Manning to shine in Austin and carry the program on his shoulders.

There’s one particular message, however, that busted the air of suspense in the relationship between the two QBs. Arch Manning revealed what his successor told him after the Cotton Bowl loss. “Kind of right after the Ohio State game I was with Quinn in the locker room,” he said, “He was just like ‘Enjoy every moment it goes by quickly. So love on your teammates and have fun.’” No drama. No rivalry. Just the passing of the torch!

Now it’s on Arch Manning to take the Longhorns to the next level. Can he live up to the hype? Can he bring home that championship Texas is seeking? The Manning era has officially begun. Buckle up!