The quarterback position in college football is always a hot topic, but this year, one name has been consistently in the spotlight: Quinn Ewers. The Texas Longhorns’ starting quarterback has shown flashes of brilliance, but also moments of inconsistency that have sparked debates on his future as a leader of one of the most storied programs in college football. Recently, former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky weighed in with a strong message about Ewers, and his comments are raising eyebrows among football fans and analysts alike.
In his commentary, Orlovsky not only praised Ewers for his potential but also pointed out areas where the young quarterback still needs to grow. His words serve as both an encouragement and a challenge for Ewers as he navigates the pressures of being the face of a college football powerhouse like Texas.
### The Praise: Quinn Ewers’ Physical Tools Are Elite
First and foremost, Orlovsky made it clear that Ewers possesses one of the most impressive physical skill sets in all of college football. There is no denying that Ewers has the raw talent to play at the highest levels of the sport. His arm strength is undeniable, and his ability to make deep throws with velocity and accuracy is among the best in the country.
Orlovsky, who spent several years as a quarterback in the NFL, knows what it takes to succeed at the position, and he doesn’t mince words when discussing Ewers’ potential. In fact, he went so far as to compare Ewers’ arm talent to that of some of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, noting that the Texas QB has all the tools to make plays from anywhere on the field. He praised Ewers for his poise in the pocket, his ability to read defenses, and his quick release—all critical elements for a quarterback looking to thrive in high-pressure situations.
“There’s no question that Quinn Ewers has NFL-level talent,” Orlovsky said. “He’s got the arm, he’s got the poise, and he’s got all the physical tools that you want to see from a quarterback. When you watch him throw the football, it’s clear that he can make every throw you need at the next level.”
But while Orlovsky was quick to highlight Ewers’ physical gifts, he also made it clear that talent alone isn’t enough to guarantee success at the college level—or beyond.
### The Challenge: Quinn Ewers Needs to Improve Consistency
Despite his obvious talent, Orlovsky was not afraid to point out the areas where Ewers still needs to improve. Specifically, he focused on the young quarterback’s struggles with consistency, decision-making, and his ability to perform under pressure. While Ewers has shown flashes of brilliance, there have been times when his play has been erratic, leading to missed opportunities for the Longhorns.
Orlovsky noted that, in order for Ewers to take the next step in his development, he needs to find more consistency with his decision-making and execution. He needs to be able to make the right reads quickly and deliver the ball accurately, even when faced with tight windows or when the defense is applying heavy pressure.
“It’s not just about physical ability,” Orlovsky explained. “It’s about decision-making. It’s about being able to go through your progressions. It’s about understanding when to take risks and when to play it safe. I’ve seen times where Ewers hesitates or forces throws into coverage, and that’s something that can’t happen if he’s going to reach his potential.”
Orlovsky’s comments are especially pertinent considering the expectations surrounding Texas football this season. With the Longhorns entering the Big 12 Championship and their eyes set on a potential College Football Playoff berth, the pressure on Ewers to perform at a high level has never been greater. In games where the stakes are high, a quarterback’s decision-making ability becomes even more critical.
Furthermore, Orlovsky pointed out that Ewers must continue to develop his mental game—learning to stay calm and collected when things aren’t going his way. Football is often a game of momentum, and Orlovsky emphasized that Ewers must be able to bounce back from mistakes and stay focused on the task at hand. Whether it’s recovering from an interception or leading a game-winning drive, the ability to maintain mental fortitude is essential for success at the quarterback position.
### The Importance of Coaching and Development
Another key point in Orlovsky’s message was the importance of the coaching staff in Ewers’ development. He acknowledged that a quarterback’s growth isn’t just about raw talent; it’s also about the coaching they receive and the system they’re placed in. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff have worked tirelessly to develop Ewers’ game since he transferred from Ohio State, and Orlovsky believes that with the right guidance, Ewers can continue to take major strides.
Orlovsky praised Sarkisian’s offensive system, noting that it gives Ewers the opportunity to shine by featuring a variety of different passing concepts that suit his skill set. However, he also emphasized that Sarkisian’s staff needs to make sure that Ewers is placed in situations where he can succeed—whether it’s through better protection from the offensive line, better communication with receivers, or continued focus on fundamentals.
“Coaching plays such a big role in how a quarterback develops,” Orlovsky said. “Quinn has all the physical ability, but it’s up to Sark and his staff to put him in the best position to succeed. They’ve got to continue to work with him, make sure he’s staying on the right track, and continue to instill confidence in him. That’s how you unlock the next level for a quarterback.”
### Quinn Ewers’ Potential Is Still Untapped
The most important takeaway from Orlovsky’s message is the belief that Ewers’ potential is still largely untapped. While the Texas QB has shown impressive flashes, Orlovsky remains convinced that, with the right adjustments, Ewers can take his game to the next level and become one of the top quarterbacks in college football.
“Quinn Ewers has everything he needs to be great,” Orlovsky said. “It’s about putting everything together. The talent is there, but he’s got to refine the mental side of the game. If he does that, he can be one of the best quarterbacks in the country. It’s on him to keep growing, and it’s on Texas to support him in that growth.”
Ewers’ journey is far from over, and the road ahead will undoubtedly have its fair share of challenges. But with the guidance of his coaches, the support of his teammates, and a strong work ethic, there’s no telling how high his ceiling truly is. Dan Orlovsky’s message serves as both a reminder of Ewers’ immense talent and a call to action for the young quarterback to continue evolving into the leader that Texas fans hope he can be.
As the Longhorns’ season progresses and the stakes grow higher, all eyes will be on Ewers to see if he can answer Orlovsky’s challenge and show that he is indeed ready for the big time. For Texas, the future could be bright—if Ewers can fulfill the promise that has been so evident from the start.
