Texas Longhorns Coach Steve Sarkisian’s Statement on Quinn Ewers Raises Questions About Texas QB Situation
The quarterback position has always been a focal point in Texas Longhorns football. Whether it’s due to high expectations, the pressure of being at a blue-chip program, or the scrutiny that accompanies such a high-profile position, the Longhorns’ quarterbacks seem to always find themselves in the spotlight. Coach Steve Sarkisian’s recent comments about Quinn Ewers, the starting quarterback for Texas, have only intensified that spotlight and raised significant questions about the future of the Longhorns’ QB situation.
The Situation at Quarterback
Quinn Ewers arrived at Texas with significant fanfare, hailed as a potential savior for a program that had been in a state of flux at quarterback for years. A former five-star recruit, Ewers transferred from Ohio State to Texas with the hope of being the next great QB for the Longhorns. His first season as a starter in 2022 showed flashes of promise, but also inconsistencies that are typical of a young player in his first year as a full-time starter.
Texas finished the 2022 season with a 8-5 record, and while Ewers had his moments, the inconsistency at quarterback became one of the main talking points of the year. Despite Ewers showing potential, the Longhorns struggled to reach the heights fans were hoping for. Still, with another year of development under his belt and the addition of a strong supporting cast, many expected Ewers to take the next step in 2023.
However, in a recent press conference, Steve Sarkisian made a comment about Ewers that raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about the future of the position.
Sarkisian’s Statement and Its Implications
Sarkisian was asked about Ewers’ performance and what he needed to do to solidify his place as the undisputed starter for the Longhorns moving forward. His response was nuanced, but the key takeaway was that Ewers was still in a position where he needed to prove himself.
Sarkisian said, “Quinn has done a lot of good things, but like any young quarterback, there’s still growth to be had. He has to continue to improve on certain aspects of his game, and we’ll see how he handles the challenges that come his way.”
While the comment itself wasn’t overtly critical, it raised questions about Sarkisian’s confidence in Ewers as the long-term solution at quarterback. The implication that there is still “growth to be had” suggests that Sarkisian may not view Ewers as a finished product or may still have doubts about his consistency and ability to lead the team to the highest levels of success.
This remark comes at a time when many believed Ewers was ready to take on a more prominent role. After a full offseason, the expectations for Ewers were high, and the Texas fan base was hoping for a breakthrough year. But Sarkisian’s comments raised doubts about whether Ewers is the guy to take Texas back to the top of college football.
The Pressure on Ewers
Quinn Ewers has been under pressure since he arrived at Texas, and Sarkisian’s comments only add to the weight on his shoulders. Ewers has all the physical tools needed to succeed—his arm strength, mobility, and size make him a prototypical NFL prospect. However, it’s the mental and intangible aspects of playing quarterback that have been his biggest challenges.
Ewers has often struggled with consistency, particularly when it comes to reading defenses, managing the game, and making smart decisions in high-pressure situations. He also had trouble staying healthy in his first season at Texas, which further complicated his development. While he did show flashes of brilliance, there were still moments where he looked unsure and prone to mistakes. In some ways, this season was expected to be the moment where he would step up and prove he was ready to lead the Longhorns.
Sarkisian’s comments about “growth” signal that the head coach believes Ewers has not yet reached his full potential. The question, however, is whether that potential will ever be realized, or whether Texas needs to begin considering other options at quarterback sooner rather than later.
The Future of the Texas QB Room
If Ewers continues to struggle with consistency or does not take the necessary steps forward, Texas may need to consider other quarterbacks on the roster. The Longhorns have a few talented quarterbacks behind Ewers, including Hudson Card, who has had flashes of talent in limited action. Additionally, the coaching staff has been high on freshmen and recruits, meaning Sarkisian might have other potential solutions at quarterback down the road.
The most immediate question is whether Texas would be willing to make a change midseason, especially if Ewers struggles in key games. Given the importance of the quarterback position and how critical it is for a program like Texas to maintain national relevance, a decision to bench Ewers for another option could send shockwaves through the locker room and fan base.
Texas has been on the cusp of being a College Football Playoff contender for years now, and it’s possible that Sarkisian’s comments are meant to light a fire under Ewers, pushing him to take his game to the next level. Still, the reality is that the Longhorns are at a crossroads. Ewers’ development is crucial for the future of the program, and Sarkisian’s comments suggest that the team’s future at quarterback is not as secure as many fans had hoped.
The Stakes for Sarkisian and Texas
Steve Sarkisian’s future at Texas is tied to the success of the quarterback position. After taking over in 2021, Sarkisian has shown that he can recruit well and build competitive teams. However, his tenure has been defined by the question of whether or not he can develop the right quarterback to elevate the Longhorns to national prominence.
Given the talent around Ewers—an explosive running game, strong offensive line play, and a solid group of wide receivers—the time to make a leap is now. If Ewers doesn’t take the next step, the conversation surrounding Sarkisian’s ability to develop quarterbacks will continue to grow. A program with Texas’ resources and history of success cannot afford to remain in a state of mediocrity at the most important position on the field.
Conclusion
Coach Sarkisian’s recent statement about Quinn Ewers underscores the uncertainty surrounding Texas’ quarterback position and raises questions about the future of the program. While Ewers has all the tools to be successful, he must improve his consistency and decision-making in order to secure his place as the long-term solution for the Longhorns. Sarkisian’s comments suggest that the QB battle at Texas may not be settled for the foreseeable future, and fans are left wondering whether Ewers will emerge as the star the team needs, or if Texas will need to look elsewhere for answers at quarterback. The 2023 season promises to be pivotal, not just for Ewers, but for the future of Steve Sarkisian’s tenure at Texas.