In college football, the arrival of a new quarterback can signal the dawn of a transformative era for a program, especially when that quarterback is seen as a generational talent. For the Texas Longhorns, that moment arrived with Quinn Ewers, a five-star recruit who became the centerpiece of head coach Steve Sarkisian’s rebuilding project in Austin. Ewers’ journey, from high school sensation to college starter, has sparked a renewed sense of optimism for the Longhorns, as they enter a new era under his leadership.
The Struggles and Rebuilding Efforts
Texas football, once a dominant force in college football, has faced challenges in recent years. The program’s inability to reach the heights it once did, particularly since winning the national championship in 2005, led to a series of coaching changes and rebuilding attempts. From Mack Brown’s departure in 2013 to the hiring of Tom Herman and eventually Steve Sarkisian, Texas’ football program seemed to be stuck in a cycle of mediocrity. Despite a long history of success, the Longhorns struggled to reclaim their former glory in the competitive Big 12 Conference.
In 2021, Steve Sarkisian took over as head coach with the task of returning Texas to national prominence. Sarkisian, known for his offensive prowess, inherited a program in need of a fresh approach. The hiring of a coach with an innovative offensive mind was seen as a step in the right direction. However, the Longhorns struggled to find consistency under their quarterback play, with inconsistent performances from both Hudson Card and Casey Thompson during the 2021 season. Texas finished with a disappointing 5-7 record, further delaying the program’s resurgence.
Enter Quinn Ewers: A Star in the Making
The arrival of Quinn Ewers in 2022 offered the Longhorns a much-needed jolt of hope. Ewers, who had been considered the top quarterback recruit in the 2022 class, made headlines early in his high school career as a prodigious talent at Southlake Carroll in Texas. His ability to throw with velocity, precision, and deep-ball accuracy drew comparisons to some of the best quarterbacks in recent memory. Originally committed to Texas, Ewers ultimately chose Ohio State before transferring back to Texas for the 2022 season.
His return to Austin was seen as a potential game-changer. Although Ewers had limited playing experience in college before coming to Texas, his immense potential was undeniable. Sarkisian, known for developing quarterbacks, immediately saw in Ewers the tools to lead Texas back to national relevance.
In 2022, Ewers’ journey with the Longhorns began with a mix of promise and growing pains. While he showed flashes of brilliance, the season was not without its struggles. Ewers was forced to adjust to the college game, which included dealing with injuries and inconsistent play. Texas finished the season with a respectable 8-5 record, but it was clear that the foundation was being laid for something more significant in the years to come. Ewers’ performance was enough to fuel excitement among Texas fans, who were eager to see how the highly touted quarterback would continue to develop under Sarkisian’s tutelage.
The Breakthrough Year: 2023 and Beyond
In 2023, the Texas Longhorns experienced a true breakthrough year, and at the center of it all was Quinn Ewers. As a sophomore, Ewers stepped into the role of undisputed leader for the Longhorns, bringing stability to the quarterback position that had been elusive for years. The offense, designed around Ewers’ strengths, took off under Sarkisian’s creative play-calling.
One of the most impressive aspects of Ewers’ game was his ability to make deep throws with precision. His arm strength and accuracy allowed Texas to stretch the field vertically, keeping defenses on their heels. Coupled with a talented group of wide receivers, including Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington, Ewers had the weapons to make an immediate impact. His chemistry with his receiving corps grew steadily throughout the season, resulting in several highlight-reel plays.
But Ewers’ development wasn’t just about his physical tools. Over the course of the 2023 season, he showed significant growth in his decision-making and ability to read defenses. While he was still prone to some mistakes—particularly under pressure—he exhibited a poise that was often lacking in previous Texas quarterbacks. His confidence grew as the season progressed, and his ability to deliver in clutch moments was a key factor in Texas’ success.
One of the most defining moments of Ewers’ 2023 season came in the Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma. Despite the intense pressure of playing in one of college football’s most heated rivalries, Ewers delivered a stellar performance, throwing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns. The win not only solidified his place as Texas’ leader but also gave the Longhorns a key victory in their quest for a spot in the Big 12 Championship and the College Football Playoff conversation.
Ewers’ leadership also helped Texas’ running game thrive. With an established offensive line and running back Bijan Robinson in the backfield, Ewers’ ability to make defenses respect the pass opened up more space for Texas’ running game. This balance between the pass and the run made the Longhorns a more complete offense than in years past.
The Future of Texas Football
As 2023 concluded with the Longhorns earning a spot in a New Year’s Six bowl game, the future looked brighter than ever for Texas football. With Ewers leading the charge, Texas was not only back in the national conversation but also poised to be a contender for a spot in the College Football Playoff in the coming seasons. His growth from an untested sophomore to a poised leader had given Texas fans the belief that the program was on the verge of returning to its former greatness.
Looking ahead, the Longhorns are primed to be a force in the Big 12 and beyond. Ewers’ continued development under Sarkisian’s system, combined with the influx of talent on both sides of the ball, will give Texas the pieces needed to challenge for championships. The program’s rise to prominence is now firmly tied to the development of its star quarterback, Quinn Ewers.
For the Texas Longhorns, Quinn Ewers represents a new era of hope, success, and potential. In a program that has struggled to regain its foothold on the national stage, Ewers has emerged as the face of Texas football, and with him at the helm, the Longhorns are ready to make their return to the upper echelons of college football.
