Joel Klatt Names Texas Longhorns QB Quinn Ewers As A Top Heisman Candidate In 2024

Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers is expected to return to Austin in 2024 for one final year. And Joel Klatt thinks he can make a run at the Heisman Trophy.

The Texas Longhorns are currently in the process of rounding out their recruiting class ahead of early signing day on December 20 and are also preparing for their College Football Playoff matchup against Washington.

The game will be taking place in New Orleans and will be the Longhorns' first appearance as one of the final four teams of the playoff era. Leading the way for Texas on offense is quarterback Quinn Ewers. The former five-star has made major strides in terms of accuracy and decision-making, while also showcasing his ability to push the ball down the field.

While many people prior to the season assumed that Ewers would be off to the NFL after the season concluded, there have been more signs pointing to him returning for a third year in Austin. Something that would not only benefit the team dramatically but could only help him boost his draft stock.

According to Fox Sports' Joel Klatt, Ewers is someone that he views as a Heisman contender for the 2024 season.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian with Joel Klatt / Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

On a recent episode of The Joel Klatt Show, Klatt revealed his No. 1 favorite for the Heisman was Ewers. He did add the caveat that it could be whoever starts at quarterback for Texas, suggesting Arch Manning would be a finalist should Ewers leave.

“Quinn Ewers, and I know you’re thinking to yourself, like are we sure Arch Manning’s not gonna be the quarterback," said Klatt "Well, you know what, he might, and if Arch Manning’s the quarterback, then he would be on this list. So I basically should say just the Texas quarterback, but if it’s Ewers, which I’m actually expecting him to come back, he will continue to develop and continue to put up quality numbers. This is a highly explosive offense. It will continue to be with Steve Sarkisian.”

Ewers has seen all of his numbers improve in major ways from year one to year two, seeing his passing yards increase by nearly 1,000 yards and counting, his touchdowns increase from 15 to 21, and his completion percentage rising from 58.1 percent to 70.7 percent. 

If he does return, there is a real chance that he can emerge as the best quarterback in college football if he continues his upward trend in performance. But first, the quarterback will be focused on the Huskies.