Nah, don't bother reading the article. Yes, they decided to replace the 8 P&W TF33s with 8 new engines of a similar thrust, rather than replace them with four larger engines with greater thrust and a bit more fuel economy.
The Air Force determined that replacing the 8 engines with 8 new engines would require a lot less stress analysis of the wing/pylon system than certifying a new pylon design that would be necessary for housing a larger turbofan.
All of the engines in the competition are small turbofan engines that are normally used on business jets.
I doubt there’s enough clearance below the wing for a high bypass turbofan engine anyway. The way those wings flap, a large diameter engine would be scraping the nacelle on the runway all the time.