Will Texas start Arch Manning or Quinn Ewers vs Oklahoma? Here's what Steve Sarkisian says

No. 1 Texas has risen back to the top of the AP Top 25 rankings without the help of it’s No. 1 quarterback. Now he just might be available to help it stay there.

Since injuring his abdomen against UTSA back on September 14, Longhorns star — and Heisman Trophy contender — Quinn Ewers has been on the sidelines while backup Arch Manning ran Texas’ offense against UL-Monroe and Mississippi State.

But with arguably the biggest game of the year coming up in Week 7 against No. 18 Oklahoma — and Texas coming off a bye week — it appears QB1 is ready to return to the huddle for the Red River Rivalry.

As of Monday, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian is preparing for Ewers to lead the Longhorns against their longtime rivals in their first meeting as SEC members.

“I thought he looked good coming off the bye,” Sarkisian told reporters. “I think if anybody benefited from the time off, it was probably him. We’re going to monitor him daily just to kind of see how he continues to progress, but I feel good about how he was [Monday].

“I feel good about him going into Saturday, but that remains to be seen.”

It makes sense Sarkisian would leave a little wiggle room on Ewers’ status — even if it’s just a bit of gamesmanship — but either way, Texas should be in fine shape when it enters the Cotton Bowl on Saturday afternoon.

Ewers has compiled 691 yards passing with eight touchdowns and two interceptions in three starts. Manning has thrown for 901 yards, nine touchdowns and two picks in his four appearances this season while adding another 82 yards and three scores on the ground.

UPDATE: Ewers is officially set to start against Oklahoma, per FOX Sports.

Guess who's back?! Quinn Ewers will start for @TexasFootball against Oklahoma pic.twitter.com/PlUjWopH1s

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 10, 2024