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No. 1 Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian said he hasn't yet made a decision on who will start at quarterback for the team's first SEC matchup against Mississippi State.
Preseason Heisman favorite Quinn Ewers, who suffered an oblique strain in Week 3, was listed as questionable on the Longhorns' injury report Thursday (September 26), days after Arch Manning made his first career start in Ewers' absence during a 51-3 Week 4 win against UL Monroe.
"We're going to decide on the quarterback thing tomorrow," Sarkisian said via ESPN. "It won't be a secret. We're not trying to pull the wool over anybody's eyes. Just want to give Quinn every opportunity to see if he's ready to play and what he looks like."
Sarkisian confirmed that Ewers practiced on Monday (September 23) and looked good, however, wanted to reevaluate how the senior felt after a week of work, noting that he's been encouraged by all of his quarterbacks, including third-string true freshman Trey Owens.
"I'd say he's improved every day," Sarkisian said on Thursday via ESPN. "I think Arch has had a very good week, and I would say this: Trey Owens probably had his best practice as a Longhorn today, so that was really encouraging as well."
Manning, 19, the son of Cooper Manning, nephew of Eli and Peyton Manning and grandson of Archie Manning, took over in the first quarter of Texas' Week 3 blowout win against UTSA, throwing for 223 yards and four touchdowns on 9 of 12 passing, while also recording 53 total yards, including a 67-yard touchdown, on three rushing attempts. The former No. 1 overall prospect threw for 258 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions on 15 of 29 passing during his first start.
Ewers threw for 691 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions on 58 of 79 passing, which included 185 yards, two touchdowns and one interception on 14 of 16 passing prior to his injury.
Texas (3-0) will host Mississippi State (1-3) at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium with kickoff set for 4:15 p.m. ET on Saturday (September 28).