Steve Sarkisian Subtly Critiques Texas Roster While Backing Quinn Ewers’ NFL Potential

Steve Sarkisian has never shied away from praising his quarterback, but in his latest comments about Quinn Ewers, the Texas Longhorns head coach may have offered more than just support—he may have delivered a subtle dig at the supporting cast that surrounded his star signal-caller in Austin.

During a recent interview in which Sarkisian spoke candidly about Ewers’ NFL potential, he didn’t just highlight the quarterback’s talent and perseverance. He also made pointed remarks that seemed to suggest Ewers’ true ability wasn’t always showcased, in part because of the challenges and inconsistencies surrounding him during his college tenure.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that Quinn has what it takes to be a successful NFL quarterback,” Sarkisian said. “I don’t think people understand how much he had to manage. It wasn’t always perfect around him. But he kept showing up and making plays.”

Those comments, while wrapped in praise for Ewers, seemed to hint that Texas’ offensive infrastructure—whether it was the offensive line, receiver consistency, or overall scheme execution—wasn’t always where it needed to be for Ewers to fully thrive. And in doing so, Sarkisian may have raised questions about whether his past Texas rosters lived up to the potential required to support a top-tier quarterback prospect.

Ewers, who declared for the 2025 NFL Draft following his third season at Texas, was a polarizing figure throughout his college career. A former five-star recruit and the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2021 class, Ewers began his college journey at Ohio State before transferring to Texas. He took over as the starter in 2022 and showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in big games. But injuries and stretches of inconsistency often muddied the narrative around his potential.

Still, Sarkisian believes NFL scouts should focus less on the raw stats and more on the context—and the poise Ewers showed through adversity.

“He never pointed fingers,” Sarkisian said. “He never made excuses. He just worked. That’s the kind of player you want leading your franchise.”

Ewers finished his Texas career with over 9,100 passing yards, 68 touchdowns, and just 18 interceptions. His 2024 campaign was arguably his best, leading Texas to a 12-2 record and a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance. In that run, Ewers displayed not only an elite arm but a command of the offense that made it clear he was more than just a talented thrower—he was a true field general.

However, as Sarkisian noted, the environment wasn’t always ideal. The offensive line was up-and-down, and while Texas had playmakers like Xavier Worthy and Ja’Tavion Sanders, consistency in execution and health remained an issue. The result? Ewers was sometimes forced to carry more than he should have.

“I think what people are going to see when they evaluate him closely is a guy who can make every throw, who understands protections, and who’s been asked to do a lot in a tough league,” Sarkisian said. “He’ll thrive when he’s in a stable, consistent NFL system.”

Interestingly, the implication in Sarkisian’s comments is that the NFL may offer Ewers a better setup than college did. And while that may not be a direct criticism of any one player or position group at Texas, it does raise eyebrows about how the Longhorns’ structure supported their most important player over the last two seasons.

This isn’t the first time Sarkisian has suggested that his quarterback’s excellence was not always matched by the pieces around him. After a tough loss during the 2023 season, Sarkisian emphasized the need for “cleaner execution” and more consistent support for Ewers, especially in pass protection. Now, as Ewers heads to the draft, the narrative has evolved into a fuller argument for why teams should look beyond Texas’ stat sheet when evaluating him.

NFL teams are listening. Early mock drafts had Ewers as a fringe first-round pick, but recent momentum has pushed him firmly into top-20 conversations. With pro days and private workouts ramping up, Ewers has reportedly impressed scouts with his football IQ and ability to quickly process information. Sarkisian’s glowing endorsement may only strengthen his case.

“He’s a student of the game,” Sarkisian said. “The arm talent is obvious, but the way he prepares—watching tape, learning protections, making adjustments on the fly—that’s what will separate him.”

Sarkisian’s own NFL experience lends weight to his evaluation. Before returning to college football, he served as offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons. He knows what NFL offenses demand of quarterbacks, and he’s convinced Ewers is ready for the next step.

Whether or not the subtle shots at his former team were intentional, they illustrate a broader truth about quarterback development: Context matters. Supporting cast matters. And for Sarkisian, it’s important that NFL decision-makers understand the full picture of what Ewers accomplished at Texas—not just what the numbers say.

Quinn Ewers, for his part, has remained diplomatic. In his draft declaration, he thanked the University of Texas, his coaches, teammates, and fans. “It’s been an honor to wear the burnt orange,” Ewers said. “I’ve grown so much as a player and a person, and I’m grateful for every moment.”

As the draft approaches, Ewers continues to train and prepare for interviews and workouts. Teams have already noted his high football IQ, maturity, and leadership qualities—things that may not have been as obvious on Saturdays but are becoming clearer behind the scenes.

Steve Sarkisian may have intended his words as pure support, but in doing so, he may have reignited conversations about what Texas could have done differently to maximize Ewers’ talents during his time in Austin. Still, if Sarkisian is correct in his prediction, Ewers’ best football may still be ahead of him—and he’ll soon have a chance to prove that in the pros.

For NFL teams in need of a quarterback, that’s a compelling pitch. And for Texas fans, it’s a bittersweet reminder of what was—and what could have been.