Texas suffered two losses to Georgia this season and fell to the Bulldogs despite Carson Beck’s injury in the SEC championship game, but the Longhorns’ national title hopes are still alive.

Steve Sarkisian’s team can put the SEC championship stinger in the rearview mirror Saturday when No. 12 Clemson comes to Austin for a College Football Playoff quarterfinal game.

Texas is so confident heading into the playoffs partly because they have a quarterback with playoff experience. The Longhorns also have a former No. 1 recruit in Arch Manning, creating a dynamic that has caused some controversy over the course of the season.

It won’t be Manning under center Texas on Saturday. Here’s what you need to know about the Longhorns’ quarterback decision.

MORE: In Arch Manning’s family tree

Why isn’t Arch Manning playing today?

Manning is still behind Quinn Ewers on Texas’ depth chart, so Ewers will start against Clemson, a year after he nearly led the Longhorns again in a state semifinal loss to Washington.

Ewers was expected to take the next step this season and position himself as a first-round NFL draft candidate, but results were mixed. Texas suffered no losses beyond its matchups at Georgia, but the Longhorns’ offense didn’t always pan out the way many expected.

SN’s PLAYOFF HQ: Live CFP Results | Updated CFP mount | Complete CFP schedule

Ewers missed two games early in the year with an oblique injury, forcing Manning to play in the first two starts of his college career, and in Texas’ first loss to Georgia, Manning briefly filled in for Ewers as the offense struggled. Manning didn’t take advantage of the opportunity and also struggled against the Bulldogs’ defense, and Ewers hasn’t left that job since.

Even if Ewers is struggling in the CFP, this would be a difficult time of year for a quarterback change. Texas’ title hopes are in the hands of Ewers at this point, and Manning is expected to take over as the Longhorns’ starter in 2025.

MORE COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS:

Who is Texas’ starting quarterback?

Quinn Ewers is Texas’ starting quarterback. A former five-star recruit, Ewers spent his freshman season at Ohio State but redshirted before transferring to Texas prior to the 2022 season.

With three years as a starter under his belt, Ewers ranks third in Texas history in touchdown passes and fourth in passing yards. He can rewrite Longhorn history if he leads the program to a national championship, but the path will require four wins after Texas lost the SEC title game and missed a chance at a bye.

MORE: Will Arch Manning transfer from Texas?

Texas QB depth chart

Ewers is still No. 1 on Texas’ quarterback depth chart, but Manning has proven he can step in when needed. Manning has completed just under 68 percent of passes for 939 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions in limited action this season, including two starts.

Manning’s mobility is another strength, although Texas has opted to stick with Ewers’ experience and reliable arm this season.

Owens is a four-star true freshman who was ranked as the No. 16 quarterback in the high school class of 2024 according to 247 Sports. Barring several injuries above him on the depth chart, he won’t see the field this season and will be eligible to compete as a redshirt freshman in 2025.