Even with former five-star quarterback Arch Manning nipping at his heels, Quinn Ewers is unquestionably “the guy” for the Texas Longhorns.
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That has been the case since he transferred from Ohio State before the 2022 season. He suffered some hits in his rookie year and has struggled with injuries, but when fit, he’s one of the greatest quarterbacks in the country.
He certainly showed it in 2023, throwing for 3,479 yards and 22 touchdowns with only six interceptions while leading Texas to the final four-team College Football Playoffs.
Even without emphasizing Ewers’ talent, head coach Steve Sarkisian recently told ESPN (via On3) that his quarterback’s biggest strength is his ability to lead.
“Without question, the area that stands out the most is his leadership,” Sarkisian told me. “This is his team.”
Ewers is entering his third year in Sarkisian’s program, and expectations are high not only for him, but for the Longhorns as a whole. Texas is predicted to be more than just a CFP team; the Longhorns could challenge for the championship in 2024.
However, Ewers plays a significant role in this. His transition from a rookie transfer quarterback to the uncontested leader of Texas football has helped him earn his stripes as a strong presence in the locker room.
“This offseason, this year, he is much more vocal, much more in command of what we’re doing, and has earned our trust, quite frankly, to get us in and out of some things,” Sarkisian told me. “It’s just his command and leadership with so many fresh receivers. “You definitely see that.”
Texas, now in the SEC, will want Ewers’ leadership early and frequently in 2024. The Longhorns play at Michigan in Week 2 and will make their SEC debut on September 28 against Michigan State.
