As Miami’s quarterback room shifts, a potential 2027 draft scenario could see the former Texas duo swap roles, positioning Arch Manning as the franchise face ahead of Quinn Ewers.
For two full seasons at Texas, Arch Manning served as a backup quarterback to Quinn Ewers.
Manning redshirted his freshman season in 2023, operating as the third-stringer before taking over the full-time backup role in 2024.
Once his career as a Longhorn ended, Ewers was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Ewers saw four appearances in his rookie campaign, compiling a 1-2 record as a starter while throwing three touchdowns and three interceptions. He appeared to be a solid developmental project, but once former head coach Mike McDaniel was fired, his future became clouded.
Jeff Hafley has taken over the sidelines in Miami and brought Malik Willis with him, handing the former Green Bay Packers quarterback a three-year, $67.5 million contract.
While there is intrigue surrounding Willis due to the flashes he showed in relief of Jordan Love over the last two seasons in Green Bay — there's a very real chance he isn't the Dolphins' long-term answer.
Miami's 2026 roster could very well end up being one of the worst in the NFL, and a loss-filled season may result in good enough draft positioning to tab Manning as the face of the future.
Assuming he has the season many expect in Austin, Manning will be viewed as a leading candidate to be the top selection in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Should Willis prove that Miami's faith in him as its starting quarterback moving forward was misplaced, it would be difficult to envision the Dolphins passing on Manning if they had the opportunity to.
While they'd likely have a look at the class's other top signal callers — Oregon's Dante Moore, Miami's Darian Mensah, Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker and Notre Dame's CJ Carr — few prospects would offer the combination of upside, pedigree and marketability that Manning brings to the table.
... and yes, given where Miami stands compared to the rest of the league, marketability absolutely matters.
If the Dolphins ultimately find themselves in a position to select Manning, the former Texas quarterback room could suddenly be reunited in South Beach.
Only this time — the roles would be reversed.
After spending two seasons learning behind Ewers in Austin, Manning would arrive in South Beach as the face of the franchise while his former mentor transitioned into the veteran presence behind him.
