Quinn Ewers Confident In Progression Entering Longhorns Final Year As Big 12 Members

Quinn Ewers has the confidence to lead the Longhorns to a conference title for the first time since 2009.

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers earned the starting job entering the 2023 season. That's how Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian sees it after his improvements in spring practice. 

That was the plan all along for Sarkisian as the No. 11 Longhorns enter the season with a vision of winning the Big 12 for the first time in over a decade. Arch Manning and Maalik Murphy entered a competition for the title of QB2, but the third-year coach was secure with his starter before fall camp ever ensued. 

And maybe that's best for Texas. It's best for Ewers, who spent the offseason working on building muscle and a rapport with his receiving corp. Knowing his job would be secure —for at least the time being — has allowed the redshirt sophomore to flourish while commanding the huddle.

As for his confidence, it's hard to imagine Ewers feels any qualms entering Week 1's showdown against Rice on Saturday. 

“I feel like we’re in a really good spot with the passing game, but couldn’t be more excited to put it all on display,” Ewers told reporters Monday. 

Quarterback competitions have become synonymous with Texas in recent memory. Colt McCoy and Sam Ehlinger excelled once given the reins, but battles on the Forty Acres often occur multiple times throughout the season. 

Boughts for the title of QB1 have been indoctrinated in Sarkisian, too. At Alabama while serving as offensive coordinator, Sarkisian was tasked with deciding if Mac Jones or Bryce Young gave the Tide their best chance at winning another national title. The same thing occurred in Year 1 at Texas, only this time between Hudson Card and Casey Thompson.

Jones led the Tide to an undefeated 13-0 season, while Young waited a year to become the first Alabama quarterback to win the Heisman. Card was benched in favor of Thompson by Week 2, who found marginal success en route to a 5-7 finish. Both passers have since transferred, leaving Ewers as the lone option with reps. 

Again, it's a good thing for Ewers. It's better for Sarkisian, who allowed quarterbacks coach A.J. Milwee to take control of the position so he could turn his attention to the roster's entirety. 

“I was really able to stay connected to the defensive side of the ball and special teams," said Sarkisian Monday. 

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Ewers, who won Big 12 Newcomer of the Year, said he feels more comfortable in Sarkisian's system entering Year 2, crediting Milwee's "harps on small details" as a factor. Familiarity leads to confidence, which coincides with potential wins. 

Sarkisian said throughout fall camp, he's noticed the little improvements in Ewers' game. Others on offense have, too. 

"He got more comfortable," receiver Xavier Worthy said. "Just talking about the throws and where you're going with the ball as a receiver, I feel like that's easier for us because we have a stable quarterback and having somebody we can work with after practice." 

Ewers won't face scrutiny each snap except from those who rant on social media, but an entire 12-game season isn't promised, either. Murphy and Manning made strides throughout the offseason and could provide the spark that sends Texas to the SEC as a contender. 

For now, the job is Ewers to keep. Teammates believe in him. Coaches do, too. Because of it, there's internal belief, as well. 

It's not arrogance. It's assurance.