For the Texas Longhorns, a program that has long been expected to compete for championships but has often fallen short in recent years, a sense of optimism has been hard to come by. However, with the arrival of Quinn Ewers at quarterback in 2022, the Longhorns’ football fortunes began to shift, putting the program back in the spotlight. While many of the national college football media remained hesitant to fully buy into Texas’s resurgence, it became increasingly clear that Ewers was one of the most talented quarterbacks the program had seen in years—if not decades. Yet, as his play began to garner attention, one statement resonated repeatedly in the discourse around him: “He does not get the love he deserves.”
Ewers: A Highly-Touted Prodigy with Unfulfilled Expectations
Before diving into how Quinn Ewers revived Texas’s fortunes, it’s important to understand the backdrop of his career. Coming out of high school, Ewers was regarded as one of the most promising quarterbacks in recent memory. A five-star recruit from Southlake Carroll High School in Texas, Ewers had the ideal blend of arm strength, mobility, and football IQ that made him a sought-after prospect. He was hailed as the next big thing in Texas football—potentially the player who could lead the Longhorns back to national prominence.
However, after an early commitment to Texas, Ewers made a shocking move to Ohio State, joining the Buckeyes as part of one of the most stacked quarterback rooms in the country. Despite the excitement surrounding his decision, Ewers ultimately played very little in Columbus, and the limited action he did see in his freshman season wasn’t enough to make a significant impact. After one season with the Buckeyes, he returned to Texas, which put him back in the familiar confines of the state where he grew up. The move to Austin was both a return to the spotlight and a chance for redemption.
The First Year: A Rocky Start, But Signs of Promise
In his first season with Texas, Ewers showed glimpses of his immense potential but also encountered the typical growing pains of a young quarterback. His debut came with great expectations, but the Longhorns struggled through some tough moments in 2022. A season-opening loss to a strong Alabama team showed the challenges Texas faced under head coach Steve Sarkisian, but there were moments when Ewers flashed the kind of talent that set him apart from most quarterbacks.
One of the most notable moments of his early career came in a game against Alabama, when he threw a beautiful touchdown pass that showcased his immense arm strength and accuracy. However, his season was marred by injuries, including a shoulder issue that forced him to miss several games. Despite this, Ewers ended the season with a respectable set of numbers, showing that he was indeed the quarterback Texas had been searching for—one capable of taking them back to the promised land of college football.
However, in the eyes of many outside of Austin, Ewers still didn’t receive the recognition he deserved. The attention surrounding Texas in 2022 largely focused on their missed opportunities and inconsistent play, rather than on the promise shown by their young quarterback. This lack of attention toward Ewers was frustrating, given his pedigree and the flashes of brilliance he had already demonstrated. While the national media showered praise on quarterbacks at schools like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State, Ewers seemed to be overlooked, even as he began to quietly show that he could lead Texas back into the national conversation.
The 2023 Breakout: Finally, Ewers Gets His Moment
Enter 2023, and with it came the Longhorns’ renewed hopes and ambitions. After a full offseason under his belt and continued development under Sarkisian, Ewers was ready to take the reins of the Texas offense. It didn’t take long for the college football world to start taking notice, especially with Texas’s high-profile games and the buzz surrounding their move to the SEC.
In 2023, Ewers truly came into his own as a quarterback, delivering one of the most impressive seasons in recent memory for Texas. His accuracy, poise in the pocket, and command of the offense became a central focus for Longhorns fans and college football analysts alike. The talent was undeniable, and Ewers quickly proved that he could be a top-tier quarterback in college football, capable of leading a team to a national championship.
The signature moment of Ewers’ 2023 campaign came when Texas defeated a tough opponent on the road, a victory that was punctuated by Ewers’ clutch play in the second half. His ability to manage the game, extend plays with his legs, and make pinpoint throws made him one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the country. With a career-high passing performance against some of the nation’s best defenses, Ewers was establishing himself as one of the most gifted quarterbacks in college football.
Despite all this, the national attention continued to be somewhat lackluster, especially compared to quarterbacks from other powerhouse programs. Ewers, in some ways, was being overlooked in favor of more established names in the college football world. Many analysts continued to question whether he could maintain consistency, and the “is he good enough?” narratives still persisted, despite the fact that his stats and performances consistently spoke for themselves.
The Narrative: “He Does Not Get the Love He Deserves”
As the 2023 season unfolded, the theme of Ewers not getting the credit he deserved began to circulate more frequently, both within the Texas fanbase and among analysts who followed the team closely. It wasn’t that Ewers wasn’t getting any love at all—he was, after all, a star player for a top-tier program. But the level of attention and praise he received often fell short of what he had earned. This could be attributed to a variety of factors: the sheer number of quarterback talents across the country, the shadow of Texas’s past struggles, and the competitive nature of college football, where many programs are constantly in the spotlight.
Ewers’ situation was especially frustrating because it seemed clear that he was a player with the skill set to succeed at the highest level. However, the narrative surrounding him often failed to match his performances on the field. While other quarterbacks garnered national awards and Heisman talk, Ewers was often left out of those discussions—despite his numbers and his ability to perform in high-pressure moments.
Part of the reason Ewers didn’t get the love he deserved was likely because Texas, as a program, hadn’t been in the national championship picture for several years. And in the eyes of many, individual performances at Texas were often overlooked if they didn’t lead to wins on the biggest stage. Despite this, Ewers remained unfazed by the lack of recognition, focusing on his role in turning the Longhorns into a legitimate national contender.
Looking Ahead: Ewers as a Future Star
As 2023 drew to a close, Quinn Ewers had firmly established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in college football. He had the potential to be a Heisman contender and a future NFL draft pick, yet his journey was far from complete. While he may not have received the widespread national adoration he deserved, there was no question about his talent and ability.
Looking ahead, 2024 promises to be an even more pivotal year for Ewers and the Longhorns. With Texas preparing for a move to the SEC and the increased competition that will come with it, Ewers will need to continue his development and lead the Longhorns against some of the best teams in college football. If Texas can make a deep playoff run, Ewers may finally receive the recognition he has long deserved—a recognition that reflects his status as one of the elite quarterbacks in the nation.
Conclusion
Quinn Ewers has undeniably put Texas back in the spotlight. While his journey has been filled with ups and downs, and he has occasionally been overlooked by national pundits, his talent is undeniable. As he continues to grow and lead Texas into the future, there’s little doubt that he will earn the recognition he deserves. And while he may have had to wait for the national spotlight, his time is coming. In 2023, it was clear—Quinn Ewers is a quarterback who does not get the love he deserves, but that will change in time.
