The University of Texas Longhorns football program is one of the most storied and successful in college football history. With a rich tradition of championship victories, legendary players, and a dedicated fan base, Texas has long been considered a powerhouse in the sport. Yet, in recent years, the program has experienced a period of transition, with fluctuating performances and the challenge of reestablishing itself among the elite programs in the country.
However, there is renewed optimism in Austin, Texas, as the Longhorns appear poised to return to national prominence. This optimism is driven by the emergence of a potential college football star who could lead the program back to glory. With the 2025 season fast approaching, there’s growing excitement surrounding Quinn Ewers, a young and highly touted quarterback who has the tools to elevate Texas back to its rightful place at the top of college football.
This article will take an in-depth look at Quinn Ewers, the state of the Texas Longhorns football program, and why he might be the key to the program’s future success. We’ll explore his rise to prominence, his skills and attributes as a quarterback, how he fits into head coach Steve Sarkisian’s offensive scheme, and what it means for the Longhorns’ chances of competing for a national title.
The Texas Longhorns: A Program in Transition
The University of Texas has long been a dominant force in college football, with national championships and All-American players littering its history. The Longhorns’ success reached its peak in the 2000s, especially under head coach Mack Brown, who led Texas to a national title in 2005. During that time, the program boasted incredible talent, including future NFL stars like Vince Young, Cedric Benson, and Brian Orakpo.
However, in recent years, Texas has struggled to regain its previous level of dominance. After Mack Brown’s departure in 2013, the Longhorns went through a series of coaching changes, with Charlie Strong and Tom Herman failing to bring the program back to national relevance. Despite strong recruiting classes, the team consistently underperformed, and Texas found itself in a rut, unable to make significant strides in the Big 12 or national title contention.
The hire of Steve Sarkisian as head coach in 2021 was viewed as a potential turning point. Sarkisian, a former offensive coordinator at Alabama, was seen as someone who could revitalize the program’s offense and recruit at a high level. In his first season at Texas, Sarkisian showed glimpses of what the Longhorns could become, but the team was still adjusting to his system. There were moments of brilliance, but also frustrations and inconsistencies, which are typical during a coaching transition.
With the 2025 season on the horizon, Texas is poised to make a leap, and a significant part of that potential leap lies in the development of its quarterback position.
Quinn Ewers: The Next College Football Star?
At the heart of Texas’ potential revival is Quinn Ewers, a highly hyped quarterback who many believe could be the future of college football. Ewers, a former 5-star recruit, was considered the top quarterback in the 2022 recruiting class and was highly sought after by schools across the country. His decision to commit to Texas brought excitement to the program, as the Longhorns had been in need of a star quarterback to lead the team.
Ewers’ journey to Texas is a story of potential, hype, and the expectations that come with being labeled a future star. Ewers was originally committed to Texas Tech but ultimately made the decision to transfer to Ohio State after a change in the coaching staff at Texas Tech. He spent one season at Ohio State, where he learned under some of the best in the game, including former Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson. However, after one year in Columbus, Ewers decided to return to Texas, where he hoped to be the centerpiece of the Longhorns’ offense.
During his brief time at Ohio State, Ewers displayed the raw talent that made him such a highly regarded prospect. His arm strength, accuracy, and mobility were evident, and he showed the potential to be a future NFL talent. However, the lack of playing time and the transition to a new system at Ohio State left some questions about how he would perform in a starting role.
When Ewers transferred back to Texas, it immediately set the stage for a new era in Longhorns football. His arrival coincided with the team’s renewed focus on building a championship-caliber program under Sarkisian. Although he had no college playing experience at Texas prior to the 2023 season, Ewers entered the program with significant expectations. Fans and analysts alike were eager to see if he could live up to the hype and develop into the star quarterback Texas had been missing.
What Makes Quinn Ewers Special?
Quinn Ewers is a quarterback with all the tools to become a college football star. His physical attributes are impressive: standing 6’2″ and weighing 215 pounds, Ewers has the prototypical build of a modern-day NFL quarterback. He possesses a powerful arm, capable of making throws to all areas of the field, from deep passes to laser-like sideline throws. His mobility, although not elite, is above average for a quarterback of his size, allowing him to evade pressure and extend plays.
In terms of his mechanics, Ewers displays impressive footwork and a quick release, making him difficult to sack and hard to defend against. His accuracy, especially on deep balls, is one of his standout traits. He can put the ball in tight windows and hit receivers in stride, making him a dynamic threat in the air.
Additionally, Ewers is a smart and composed player. His ability to read defenses, make adjustments at the line of scrimmage, and manage the game will be crucial for his success in Sarkisian’s high-powered offense. Ewers has the physical traits of a superstar, but his ability to perform under pressure and develop mentally will determine how far he can take the Longhorns.
Steve Sarkisian’s Offensive System: A Perfect Fit for Ewers
One of the key factors in Quinn Ewers’ potential rise to stardom is how well he fits into Steve Sarkisian’s offensive system. Sarkisian is known for his ability to develop quarterbacks and run dynamic, fast-paced offenses. He was the offensive coordinator at Alabama, where he worked with stars like Mac Jones and Tua Tagovailoa, and before that, he had success as the head coach at Washington and USC.
Sarkisian’s offensive scheme is predicated on spreading the field and creating mismatches through a balanced attack. The system allows quarterbacks to operate in a variety of ways, from traditional pocket passing to rollouts and designed runs. It’s designed to take advantage of a quarterback’s skill set while also allowing him to thrive in a pro-style offense with modern elements.
For Ewers, Sarkisian’s system is a perfect match. The offense relies heavily on a strong passing game, and Ewers has the arm strength and accuracy to make every throw in the playbook. Sarkisian’s ability to design plays that create open lanes for quarterbacks to read defenses and make quick decisions should help Ewers develop further as a player. The up-tempo nature of the offense also plays to Ewers’ strengths, allowing him to get into a rhythm and take advantage of opportunities early and often.
Sarkisian’s experience working with top-tier quarterbacks and understanding of how to develop talent makes him an ideal coach for Ewers. Sarkisian’s mentorship, combined with Ewers’ raw talent, could be the recipe for success for both the quarterback and the Texas football program.
Supporting Cast: Weapons to Help Ewers Thrive
While Ewers’ development will be the focal point of Texas’ offense, the supporting cast around him will be just as important. One of the keys to Ewers’ success will be the playmakers on the field who can make big plays and take some of the pressure off of him.
Texas has several talented players who could help Ewers shine. Xavier Worthy, a wide receiver, is one of the top returning players on the team. Worthy’s speed and ability to make plays down the field make him a prime target for Ewers. In addition to Worthy, Texas has a stable of talented receivers who can stretch the field and create opportunities for Ewers to succeed.
The Longhorns’ running back room is also deep, with Bijan Robinson being the standout player. Having a reliable running back can take pressure off the quarterback, allowing him to focus on passing and playmaking. Robinson’s ability to create big plays on the ground will help keep defenses honest and open up the play-action game, which is a staple of Sarkisian’s offense.
The Future of Texas Football
With Quinn Ewers under center and Steve Sarkisian at the helm, the future of Texas football looks bright. The Longhorns have the potential to compete for the Big 12 title and, eventually, a spot in the College Football Playoff. While Ewers is still developing as a quarterback, the tools are there for him to be the next great college football star.
Ewers’ rise to prominence could signal the beginning of a new era in Texas football, one where the Longhorns are once again national title contenders. With the right coaching, supporting cast, and continued development, Quinn Ewers could be the player who leads Texas back to the top of college football. For Longhorns fans, the excitement surrounding Ewers is palpable, and the future looks brighter than ever.
