Quinn Ewers Injured, Arch Manning Shines in Texas Longhorns Game Against UTSA

In Austin, during a pivotal college football game, Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers suffered an unspecified injury late in the second quarter against the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). The incident required freshman quarterback Arch Manning to step into the game. The injury seemed to occur when Ewers, after handing off to running back Quintrevion Wisner from the UTSA 20-yard line, walked away from the play with a limp before collapsing and signaling for the trainer.

Although the exact cause of the injury is unclear, it is suspected that Ewers hurt himself during a previous play, involving a 49-yard pass completion to tight end Gunnar Helm. This pass saw Helm breaking through a defender as he advanced towards the end zone. Manning took to the field following Ewers’ exit and made an immediate impact by throwing a 19-yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Moore, which took Texas to a commanding 21-0 lead.

On the subsequent drive, Manning further demonstrated his potential with a spectacular 67-yard touchdown run, pushing Texas’ lead to 28-7 with 11:07 left in the first half. Ewers, meanwhile, was seen heading to the injury tent and then to the locker room under his own power, albeit with difficulty, assisted by Longhorns officials. He later reappeared on the sidelines in streetwear, having ended his game performance with 14 completions from 16 attempts, totaling 186 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

Television replays from ESPN highlighted Ewers gesturing towards the left side of his ribs and instructing teammates to avoid the injured area. This situation promoted Arch Manning, already notable for his outstanding high school career in Louisiana and family ties to NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, as a strong contender for the best backup quarterback in college football. After transferring his high school success to college, Manning continues to demonstrate significant potential for the Longhorns, as evidenced by Texas’ current No. 2 ranking in the Associated Press poll and their formidable 28-0 halftime lead over UTSA.

Manning’s college career is gradually taking shape as he remains focused on earning his place as a starting quarterback, while simultaneously honing his skills under high-pressure circumstances and prestigious company. High School On SI, a new initiative by Sports Illustrated, aims to offer comprehensive coverage of high school sports, fostering greater engagement with local communities and providing insights into a range of athletic stories, recruitments, and achievements from “preps to pros.”