In 2021, the Texas Longhorns went 5-7 during Steve Sarkisian’s first year at the reins of the program. It was their first losing season since 2016. Since that low point, Sark has led the team to 3 bowl appearances, 2 of which were in the College Football Playoff, and an overall record of 33-10. Texas was the only team to make the last 4-team CFP and the first 12-team Playoff. Despite two consecutive exits in the semifinals, these appearances have been a huge step forward from the disappointing ‘21 campaign.
After two solid seasons, surely the main QB during this run is loved by the fanbase, right?
Wrong.
Most of the Longhorns faithful turned on Quinn Ewers the second he showed signs of struggle. Since Arch Manning, next in line for the Manning QB dynasty, is the Horns' backup, many wanted him to start over Ewers. I am one of those fans that stayed with Quinn, and I am here to tell you why he is a Longhorn legend.
On paper, Ewers’ stats are great. He ranks 3rd all-time in program history in both passing yards (9,128) and passing TD’s (94), behind Colt McCoy and Sam Ehlinger, respectively, in both categories. Quinn is also first in passing yards per game with 253.6 yards each contest. Oh, and he did it in just 3 seasons as the starter. Ewers had a 2-1 record against rival Oklahoma, with both victories being absolute blowouts. Last year, he led the team to their first Big 12 title since 2009, in what was the teams last season in the conference. In 2023, the team beat Alabama in Tuscaloosa, blew out Texas Tech, and made the College Football Playoff for the first time ever.
Ushering in the program's switch to the better SEC, Ewers upped his game, decimating defending National Champions Michigan in the Big House, embarrassing Texas A&M in Kyle Field during the teams first matchup in 13 seasons. He also got Texas into the SEC Championship game. It was the first time in SEC history that a team made the title game in their first season in the conference. In the Playoff, Texas won their First Round game, and then beat Arizona State in a classic where Quinn put the team on his back in overtime.
While Ewers may have not lived up to his #1 prospect ranking out of high school, he played a huge role in turning this program around. I hope that Arch can finish the job, but it's a damn shame that many of the fans will never give Ewers the credit he deserves. He is a top-3 quarterback in school history, and a Texas legend. He lived out his childhood dream of being the Longhorns signal caller, and he revived the program while doing so. Here are his 5 greatest performances as QB1 in burnt orange.
#5: Domination in Dallas (2022): Texas - 49, Oklahoma - 0
Stats: 21/31, 289 passing yards, 4 TD’s, 1 INT
Coming off an injury that he sustained vs. #1 Alabama, a game that Texas lost by just 1 point, many thought that if Ewers was healthy, they could have taken down the Tide. Instead of dwelling on what-ifs, Quinn focused on hated rival Oklahoma, and carved up the Sooners during his first Red River Rivalry game. The mullet-rocking redshirt freshman had an outstanding game, taking over from the very beginning, flashing his skills in a dominant performance.
Play of the Game:
Stats: 24/36, 246 passing yards, 3 TD’s
Ewers' stats from this game don't look too crazy, but that's due in large part to Texas taking a 24-3 into halftime, and running the ball for most of the second half. Ewers showed the whole country his accuracy, making tough throws in tight windows at the toughest place to play in the country. Coming into the game, the Wolverine defense was touted as one of the best in the nation, and Ewers led the charge to expose them. It’s a shame that oblique and ankle injuries hampered him during this season, because this was a first round talent on tape vs. Michigan.
Play of the Game:
Stats: 24/38, 349 passing yards, 3 TD’s
People have said that Texas has been back for years. This was the game when they were truly back. In Tuscaloosa, vs. Nick Saban. The matchup the year before, a 20-19 Tide Victory, left everyone asking how different the result be had Ewers played. In 2023, Quinn played, and he played his best game up to that point in his career. It was a passing masterclass from QB1. He executed the game plan perfectly, sprayed the ball all across the field to all his targets, and made 2 beautiful passes to Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell to hand Saban his final regular season loss of his coaching career. In my opinion, this is peak Quinn Ewers.
Play of the Game:
Stats: 35/46, 452 passing yards, 4 TD’s, 1 INT
Ewers made history in the Longhorns' last Big 12 game ever. His 452 passing yards in the title game, as well as his total yards (458), competitions (35), were all the most ever in the Big 12 Conference Championship Game. He also tied the mark for passing TD’s with 4. The 452 passing yards were also 3rd all-time for the program. Ewers put on a show, won their final Big 12 Title, and earned the program their first ever bid into the CFP. That is the stuff of a legend.
Play of the Game:
Stats: 20/30, 322 passing yards, 3 TD’s, 1 INT, 1 rushing TD
I believe that this game encapsulates Ewers as a player. He started off hot, going 2/2 for 77 yards and a TD on the opening drive. However, the offense struggled going forward. In the 4th quarter, he seemingly iced the game on a 3rd and goal touchdown run to put Texas up 24-8. Then, out of nowhere, the Sun Devils came back. Ewers threw a pick with about 5 minutes to go that helped the Sun Devils tie it up at 24, and all the momentum swung to ASU. Ewers then marched Texas back down the field, only for Bert Auburn to miss the go ahead field goal. The Horns defense got the ball back, and the calm Quinn orchestrated a quick drive back into field goal range. Auburn missed again, and we headed to OT.
Down 31-24, facing 4th and 13, the season and his career at Texas seemingly over, Ewers adjusted the protection, and threw a dart to Matthew Golden to tie the game, a pass now immortalized in Texas history. To open up the second OT, Quinn hit Gunnar Helm on the first play for a touchdown. Texas won 39-31. When his team needed him the most, Ewers stepped up, as cool as ever, and won them the ball game.
Play of the Game:
While his revenge game vs. Ohio State didn’t go as planned, Ewers still had a solid game, with many big throws to keep Texas alive. In the end, just like vs. Washington in 2023, the Horns just couldn’t get it done. Yes, the play calling was questionable to end the semis vs. the Buckeyes, but if a couple plays in both games are slightly different, then people will remember Quinn Ewers differently.
I do believe he has a first round ceiling in the NFL. His ability to make throws is a gift, his arm talent is uncoachable, and his accuracy in the intermediate range is the best in the nation among NFL prospects. His ability to remain cool, calm, and collected is his best trait. If he goes to the right team, Ewers could be a very successful quarterback. He gutted it out this season, battling injuries and adversity, leading the team to another semifinals appearance and a 13-3 record. That’s pretty damn good. He came to the program when it was in ruins, and left it prospering.
While many won’t give him the love he deserves, Quinn Ewers will forever be a Longhorn legend for what he did for the program. He set the foundation for what looks to be a very promising Steve Sarkisian era. His work should not be forgotten. Ewers exemplified what it means to be a Texas QB; he was Tough All Day. Thank you QE3, Hook ‘Em forever!
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