Quinn Ewers has returned to full health for the Texas Longhorns, but his performance hasn’t yet reached the level he displayed before his abdominal injury on September 14. Since Ewers came back, Steve Sarkisian’s Longhorns are 2-1, though there have been calls for Arch Manning to get a chance. Ewers’ position as the starting quarterback isn’t in jeopardy, but he recently opened up about what has been holding him back.
Entering this season, Ewers was seen as a leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy, but that seems unlikely now. The Longhorns’ quarterback is under scrutiny for inconsistent performances against top teams, with his injury earlier this year playing a role. While Ewers says he feels “normal” again, he acknowledges that the injury affected his return to play.
Reflecting on a recent game against Vanderbilt, Ewers admitted he had adopted a cautious approach on the field, which restricted his play style. Now fully healthy, Ewers has signaled his readiness to compete, which may impact Arch Manning’s chances for playing time as Ewers strengthens his hold on the starting role.
Steve Sarkisian emphasizes the importance of readiness for younger players on the Texas Longhorns roster. Given how injuries have affected the team, Sarkisian is urging younger players to stay prepared as the team aims to extend their NCAA season into late January. He stressed the need to build depth on the roster, as unforeseen injuries could strike at any time. With positions potentially opening up for young players, Sarkisian made it clear that Texas won’t leave anyone behind.
In other news, Quinn Ewers has been named to the 2024 Davey O’Brien Quarterback Class. He is one of 35 players selected for this prestigious honor, and his outstanding performances in the 2023 season earned him a spot as a semifinalist. Recent winners of the Davey O’Brien Award include prominent quarterbacks such as Jayden Daniels (2023), Max Duggan (2022), and Bryce Young (2021).