“He Doesn’t Get the Love He Should Get”: How Quinn Ewers Put Texas Back in the Spotlight
Quinn Ewers, the talented quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, has quickly become one of college football’s most intriguing players. With his electrifying arm, remarkable poise under pressure, and potential to lead Texas back to prominence, Ewers’ journey is a testament to resilience and undeniable talent. However, despite his success, there’s a narrative that suggests he hasn’t received the recognition he deserves. Critics and fans alike have often been quick to overlook the young quarterback, yet his performances have been vital in putting the Texas Longhorns back in the national spotlight.
This article explores how Quinn Ewers has propelled Texas into contention for national relevance and how, despite his crucial role, his talent sometimes goes underappreciated.
The Rise of Quinn Ewers
Quinn Ewers, a Texas native, was one of the most highly recruited quarterbacks in recent years. Coming out of high school, he was viewed as a generational talent—one of the best prospects to ever come through the state. His arm strength, accuracy, and ability to make all the throws made him a five-star recruit. Ewers committed to the University of Texas as part of a high-profile recruiting class under head coach Steve Sarkisian. His arrival marked a new era of optimism for the Longhorns, who had struggled in recent years to return to their former glory.
However, Ewers’ road to success wasn’t without its bumps. His initial year at Texas was marked by growing pains, inconsistency, and a team still trying to find its identity under Sarkisian. Ewers started the 2022 season with high hopes but faced challenges, including a season-ending injury that forced him to miss several games. Despite this setback, his flashes of brilliance were enough to maintain excitement about his future.
The 2023 season was the turning point. Ewers emerged as one of the most talented and dynamic quarterbacks in college football. He looked more comfortable, sharper in his decision-making, and more confident in his role as Texas’s leader. His arm strength was as advertised, but it was his ability to manage the game and make big-time plays that solidified his position as the cornerstone of Texas football.
Ewers and Texas’s Offensive Transformation
Under Sarkisian, Texas has made a concerted effort to revamp its offensive identity. The Longhorns, historically known for their power running game, have adopted a more balanced attack that emphasizes the passing game. Ewers’ ability to stretch the field, coupled with his decision-making skills, was crucial to this transformation.
Ewers’ performances throughout the 2023 season were a key reason why Texas was able to put together a competitive and efficient offense. The Longhorns were once again relevant in the national conversation, pushing for a spot in the College Football Playoff and challenging the dominance of teams like Alabama, Oklahoma, and Georgia. Ewers showcased his talent by leading the team to significant wins, including a thrilling victory over Alabama early in the season, a game where his performance helped elevate Texas’ credibility as a contender.
Ewers’ ability to lead the Longhorns in crucial moments set him apart from other quarterbacks in the nation. Against top-tier opponents, he was able to make critical throws and lead his team to victories in close games, showcasing not only his physical ability but his mental toughness. His leadership was especially apparent in tight games where Texas needed a clutch performance to secure a win.
The Underappreciation of Ewers
Despite his impressive performances, Quinn Ewers often finds himself underappreciated, both in the national media and among fans. Part of this can be attributed to the incredible hype surrounding his recruitment, which often sets unrealistic expectations. After entering college with so much fanfare, any inconsistency early in his career became fodder for critics, who were eager to label him as overrated.
Additionally, the spotlight has often shifted to other quarterbacks in the nation, especially those who have led teams to the College Football Playoff or have been viewed as immediate Heisman candidates. In a year where college football is full of elite talent at the quarterback position, Ewers has sometimes been overshadowed by names like Caleb Williams (USC), Drake Maye (North Carolina), and Bryce Young (Alabama). These players receive a disproportionate amount of attention, while Ewers’ impressive performances are often relegated to the periphery of national conversations.
This underappreciation isn’t just about individual accolades—it extends to the larger narrative surrounding the Texas program. The Longhorns’ inconsistent performance in the Big 12 over the past decade has made it difficult for them to capture the national attention they once held. Despite their success under Sarkisian and Ewers’ growth as a quarterback, the program has struggled to reclaim its elite status, often falling short in critical games. The lack of sustained success for Texas makes it difficult for Ewers to receive the recognition he deserves, even though his individual performance has often been one of the few consistent bright spots for the Longhorns.
Ewers’ Impact Beyond Stats
What makes Ewers special is not just his stats or his performances on paper—it’s his ability to raise the level of his team. His presence in the huddle, his leadership on the field, and his calm under pressure have all played a significant role in transforming the Texas offense into a legitimate force in college football. Ewers is a quarterback who can put the team on his shoulders and make big-time plays when the game is on the line. This type of leadership is not always reflected in statistics, but it is one of the most important aspects of a quarterback’s value.
One of the most significant games in Ewers’ career came in the 2023 matchup against Alabama. In a hostile environment, with the eyes of the college football world on him, Ewers delivered a performance that turned heads. He passed for over 300 yards, threw for two touchdowns, and most importantly, led Texas to a 34-24 victory over the Crimson Tide. This victory not only elevated Texas’s standing in the national rankings but also proved that Ewers was capable of leading his team to victory against some of the best programs in the country.
Ewers’ ability to perform in big moments is something that has set him apart from other quarterbacks in college football. His success against top-ranked teams has helped Texas regain some of the national prestige it had lost in recent years. Texas football is back on the map, and a large part of that resurgence is thanks to Ewers’ exceptional play.
“He Doesn’t Get the Love He Should Get”
One of the most poignant aspects of Ewers’ story is the recognition (or lack thereof) he has received from the college football community. Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian himself has spoken out about the underappreciation of his quarterback. In an interview following a big win, Sarkisian mentioned that “he doesn’t get the love that he should get,” referring to Ewers’ ability to execute at a high level despite being largely overlooked by the national media. This statement highlights not just the impressive on-field performances of Ewers but also the frustration felt by those who see his true value.
Ewers has the physical tools to be one of the best quarterbacks in the nation, and his growth and maturity have only amplified his potential. Yet, the focus on other quarterbacks and programs often overshadows his accomplishments. This underappreciation could be a result of the larger narrative around Texas, which has struggled to live up to its historical standards over the past decade. Despite the program’s potential and Ewers’ individual brilliance, the Longhorns have yet to reach the level of sustained success needed to claim their place among the elite programs in the country.
Looking Ahead: Ewers’ Future at Texas
As Texas continues its journey toward returning to the top of college football, Quinn Ewers remains at the center of the program’s aspirations. His development as a quarterback is crucial to the Longhorns’ success, and as his career progresses, there’s no doubt that he will continue to garner attention for his on-field performances. With Ewers under center, Texas has the tools to compete for Big 12 championships, and potentially even a College Football Playoff berth, in the coming years.
While Ewers may not yet receive the national recognition he deserves, his legacy at Texas is still being written. If the Longhorns continue to improve and Ewers’ performances remain at the level they’ve been, it’s only a matter of time before the college football world fully acknowledges his immense talent. For now, though, it’s clear that Quinn Ewers is the driving force behind Texas’ return to national prominence.
Quinn Ewers may not always get the recognition he deserves, but his impact on the Texas football program cannot be overstated. His development as a quarterback, his leadership on the field, and his ability to lead the Longhorns to big wins have all contributed to Texas’s return to the national spotlight. While he may not always be in the media’s spotlight, his performances speak for themselves, and it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the country recognizes the immense talent he brings to the table. Texas football is back, and Quinn Ewers is at the forefront of that resurgence.
