As the college football season winds down, many teams and their players are beginning to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the future. For Quinn Ewers, his time at the University of Texas may be coming to an end, but his impact on the Longhorns’ program will undoubtedly be felt for years to come. Ewers arrived in Austin with immense expectations, a five-star recruit with a cannon for an arm, and the hopes of revitalizing a Texas program that had long been stuck in mediocrity. While his tenure may not have been as flawless as some had hoped, his contributions cannot be dismissed, and his legacy will continue to shape the direction of Texas football.
A Highly-Touted Arrival
When Quinn Ewers made the decision to join Texas as the centerpiece of Steve Sarkisian’s first full recruiting class in 2022, the expectations surrounding him were astronomical. A former five-star recruit and one of the most hyped quarterbacks in recent memory, Ewers was expected to be the player who would finally take the Longhorns back to national prominence. His decision to skip his senior year of high school and enroll early at Ohio State before transferring back to Texas added an additional layer of intrigue to his story.
Ewers’ skill set was undeniable. His deep ball accuracy, arm strength, and ability to read defenses were all attributes that suggested he was capable of leading Texas back to greatness. The question wasn’t whether Ewers had the potential to be great; it was when that greatness would translate onto the field.
The Early Struggles
Despite the lofty expectations, Ewers’ early career at Texas was not without its growing pains. In his first season as a starter in 2022, there were flashes of brilliance, but also inconsistencies that often plagued the team. He struggled with turnovers at times and was still adjusting to the speed and physicality of college football. The Longhorns finished the season with a 8-5 record, and while they showed promise, they fell short of the Big 12 Championship game and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Injuries also played a role in Ewers’ early struggles. He was sidelined for a portion of the season due to a shoulder injury suffered during a game against Alabama. The injury put a significant dent in Texas’ momentum and prevented Ewers from fully reaching his potential during his first season as a starter. Nevertheless, his return to health late in the year gave Longhorns fans a glimpse of the quarterback they had been waiting for.
Despite the ups and downs, Ewers showed enough potential to excite the fan base about what was to come. His arm strength and ability to make explosive plays in the passing game remained evident, and the Texas coaching staff believed that with continued development, he could be a program-changing player.
The 2023 Season and Growth
Ewers’ sophomore season in 2023 was when his true potential started to shine. Under Steve Sarkisian’s offense, Ewers was able to showcase his improved decision-making, poise under pressure, and leadership abilities. Texas finished the regular season with a 12-1 record, with their only loss coming to the Oklahoma Sooners in the Red River Rivalry. In many ways, Ewers was a key driver behind the Longhorns’ resurgence as one of the top teams in college football. His 2023 season was a marked improvement, and he demonstrated more consistency and confidence as a quarterback.
Ewers also displayed an ability to perform in big games. He led Texas to key victories over ranked teams, including a statement win over the Kansas State Wildcats, and his performance in a high-pressure game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys showed growth in his ability to lead the offense in crucial moments. By the end of the season, it was clear that Ewers had developed into a quarterback who could carry the Longhorns in their quest for a Big 12 Championship and more.
However, his growth wasn’t without its setbacks. Despite the success in the regular season, Ewers was not immune to struggles in high-pressure games. In the Big 12 Championship against a resilient Kansas State squad, Ewers was not able to lead Texas to victory, and the team fell short in their final push for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Nevertheless, the Longhorns had already secured their place in a prestigious New Year’s Six bowl, and Ewers’ development over the course of the season was undeniable.
Quinn Ewers’ Legacy at Texas
While it remains uncertain what the future holds for Quinn Ewers at Texas — with speculation swirling about whether he’ll declare for the NFL draft or return for another season — one thing is certain: Ewers’ impact on the Longhorns’ program is already significant. The Texas offense has been vastly improved during his tenure, and his presence on the field has made a difference in the team’s overall trajectory.
The most important legacy Ewers leaves is one of hope. His arrival in Austin signaled a new era for Texas football, one in which the Longhorns could legitimately compete for national championships. With a future that includes talented recruits and strong coaching under Sarkisian, Texas is in a position to contend at the highest level — a position that Ewers helped put them in with his play and leadership.
Moreover, Ewers helped restore relevance to a program that had been searching for a franchise quarterback for nearly a decade. While his time at Texas may not have been the picture-perfect fairy tale many had envisioned, his role in the program’s rejuvenation cannot be understated. As Texas prepares to enter the SEC, the program will need top-tier quarterbacks to compete with the best in the country, and Ewers has set the standard for what that level of play should look like.
The Next Chapter for Quinn Ewers
As for Ewers, his future is likely bright, regardless of whether he stays for another season or chooses to declare for the NFL Draft. If he opts for the draft, his potential is undeniable. With his elite arm strength, prototypical size, and growing maturity as a quarterback, Ewers is a highly coveted prospect for NFL teams looking for a future star. His potential has always been the cornerstone of his game, and his time at Texas has only increased his stock.
On the other hand, if Ewers decides to return for one more season at Texas, it would only give him more time to solidify his legacy and further develop his game. The chance to compete for a national title with a revamped Texas squad in the SEC would be an enticing prospect for any player looking to test themselves at the highest level.
Conclusion
Quinn Ewers’ time at Texas might be over, but his impact is lasting. From his highly-anticipated arrival to his pivotal role in restoring hope to a once-stagnant program, Ewers helped elevate Texas football to new heights. While his journey wasn’t without its hurdles, Ewers’ legacy will undoubtedly be remembered as a turning point for the Longhorns. Whether he goes on to achieve NFL stardom or returns to Texas for another shot at glory, Ewers has already made his mark in the history of Texas football. The Longhorns’ future is bright, and much of that is thanks to the foundation laid by Quinn Ewers.