Steve Sarkisian, Coach of Texas, on Quinn Ewers’ Growth After Leaving Ohio State
Quinn Ewers’ journey through college football has been anything but conventional. After being one of the most highly touted quarterbacks in the 2021 recruiting class, his move from Ohio State to Texas created a wave of attention in college football circles. The decision to transfer, in many ways, defined the next stage of his career, both personally and professionally. As Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian reflects on the growth of his star quarterback, it’s clear that Ewers’ transition from Ohio State to the Longhorns has been a transformative experience. This growth has been both on and off the field, and Sarkisian has played a crucial role in guiding Ewers through the challenges and adjustments necessary to realize his potential as one of the top quarterbacks in college football.
In this article, we will explore the journey of Quinn Ewers under Steve Sarkisian’s leadership, focusing on his growth since leaving Ohio State. We’ll discuss Ewers’ early career, his decision to transfer, how he has developed at Texas, the coaching impact of Sarkisian, and what the future holds for Ewers as he continues to build upon his potential.
The Early Years: A Star Recruit at Ohio State
Quinn Ewers’ football journey began with an extraordinary rise to prominence. Coming out of high school in the 2021 recruiting class, Ewers was a five-star prospect who was widely considered the best quarterback in his class. A native of Southlake, Texas, Ewers was known for his rocket arm, incredible mobility, and natural football IQ, making him a perfect fit for the high-octane offenses of the modern college football landscape.
After reclassifying to join Ohio State a year early, Ewers enrolled at the prestigious program in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State, under head coach Ryan Day, was a program known for producing top-tier quarterbacks and consistently competing for national championships. This made it an ideal environment for a young quarterback like Ewers to develop and showcase his talents. However, things did not go as expected for the young quarterback.
Ewers struggled to crack the starting lineup at Ohio State, especially with the presence of CJ Stroud, one of the most highly regarded quarterbacks in college football. Ewers spent much of his freshman year on the bench, observing and learning from one of the best in the country. Despite being highly talented, the quarterback competition at Ohio State was stiff, and Ewers’ path to the starting job seemed uncertain.
The Decision to Transfer: A Fresh Start at Texas
After spending one season at Ohio State, Ewers made the decision to transfer to Texas, where he would have a much more direct path to the starting role. This was a pivotal moment in Ewers’ career, one that set the stage for his future development as a player. The decision to leave Ohio State was not easy, and it undoubtedly came with mixed emotions. Ewers had left his home state to pursue his dream of playing quarterback at a powerhouse program like Ohio State, only to find himself facing the challenge of navigating a highly competitive depth chart.
However, the move to Texas allowed Ewers to start fresh in a new environment, with a new coaching staff and new opportunities. The Longhorns, under head coach Steve Sarkisian, were in the process of rebuilding and re-establishing their identity as a college football power. Texas was looking for a leader, and Ewers was eager to prove that he could be that leader. Sarkisian, who had built a reputation for developing quarterbacks, was the perfect coach to help Ewers make the next step in his career.
For Ewers, the transfer to Texas represented a clean slate. He was no longer competing against established quarterbacks; he was the centerpiece of a program looking to return to prominence. But the transition was not without challenges. Ewers had to quickly learn a new offensive system, build chemistry with his teammates, and adjust to the high expectations placed on him as the starting quarterback at a program as prestigious as Texas.
Sarkisian’s Coaching Impact: Building Ewers’ Skills and Confidence
Steve Sarkisian is widely regarded as one of the best quarterback developers in college football. His ability to cultivate a quarterback’s skill set and develop them into NFL-caliber talent is one of the reasons Texas was such an attractive destination for Ewers. When Ewers arrived at Texas, Sarkisian immediately saw the immense potential in his new quarterback. Sarkisian’s approach to quarterback development is focused on building confidence, refining mechanics, and providing the tools necessary to succeed in a high-pressure environment.
One of the first things Sarkisian worked on with Ewers was his mechanics. Like many young quarterbacks, Ewers had the raw talent but needed to refine his technique to become a more consistent passer. Sarkisian is known for his meticulous attention to detail, and he immediately began working with Ewers to ensure his footwork, throwing motion, and decision-making were aligned with the offensive system that would allow him to thrive.
In particular, Sarkisian has helped Ewers improve his accuracy, which was sometimes inconsistent during his early college years. While Ewers had the ability to make deep throws and stretch defenses, his shorter-range accuracy was something that needed work. Sarkisian worked on helping him develop better touch on short and intermediate throws, ensuring that Ewers could excel in every part of the field.
In addition to refining his mechanics, Sarkisian has emphasized the importance of confidence. He encouraged Ewers to trust his instincts and be comfortable taking risks on the field. Sarkisian’s trust in his quarterback has allowed Ewers to grow into a more confident and decisive player, one who is no longer afraid to take shots down the field or make challenging throws under pressure.
Ewers’ Development: From Freshman to Team Leader
Since arriving at Texas, Ewers has grown in numerous ways. He has matured as both a quarterback and a leader, gradually earning the trust of his teammates and the coaching staff. In his first season as Texas’ starting quarterback, Ewers demonstrated flashes of brilliance, showcasing his strong arm, ability to read defenses, and command of the offense.
However, like any young quarterback, Ewers has also faced challenges. He has had his fair share of struggles, including dealing with adversity in tough games and working through his own inconsistencies. Yet, it’s through these challenges that Ewers has been able to grow and mature. He has become more adept at handling pressure, making better decisions in high-stakes situations, and improving his overall game management.
One of the most significant areas of growth for Ewers has been his ability to elevate his play during critical moments. As a quarterback, it’s crucial to be able to make big plays in the fourth quarter, when the game is on the line. Ewers has shown that he can perform under pressure, demonstrating poise and confidence in the most intense moments. This growth has been a direct result of Sarkisian’s coaching and the culture of accountability that he has instilled in his players.
The Leadership Factor: Ewers as a Captain
Leadership is a critical aspect of playing quarterback at the college level, and Ewers has learned to embrace this role. At Texas, Ewers is not just the team’s starting quarterback—he is its leader. His teammates look to him for guidance, inspiration, and, most importantly, accountability. Ewers has matured into the kind of leader that Texas needs to take the next step as a program.
Under Sarkisian’s leadership, Ewers has taken on more responsibility, both on and off the field. As a captain, he has become the face of the Texas football program and is expected to set the tone for his teammates. Ewers has developed a strong rapport with his receivers, offensive line, and coaching staff, all of whom trust him to make the right decisions and lead the team to victory.
While his leadership is still developing, Ewers has shown an increasing ability to command the huddle and take control of the offense. He understands the importance of staying composed, motivating his teammates, and stepping up when the team needs him most.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Ewers at Texas
As Ewers continues to grow under Sarkisian’s tutelage, the future looks bright for the young quarterback. His potential is undeniable, and if he continues to develop at the rate he has been, he could very well become one of the top quarterbacks in college football. Sarkisian has laid a strong foundation for Ewers’ success, and with continued growth, Ewers has the tools to lead Texas back to national prominence.
The sky is the limit for Ewers, and Sarkisian is confident that with hard work, discipline, and continued development, he will reach the highest levels of success. Texas fans are hopeful that Ewers will not only fulfill his potential but will become the leader of a Texas team that is ready to compete for championships.
A Journey of Growth and Potential
Quinn Ewers’ journey from Ohio State to Texas has been one marked by growth, challenges, and immense potential. Under the guidance of Steve Sarkisian, Ewers has developed into a more refined and confident quarterback, one capable of leading the Longhorns to success. Sarkisian’s coaching has been instrumental in unlocking Ewers’ potential, and Ewers’ leadership, both on and off the field, has allowed him to grow into the quarterback Texas needs to compete at the highest level.
As the future of Texas football looks brighter than ever, Ewers will undoubtedly play a key role in the program’s pursuit of national championships. The combination of his raw talent, Sarkisian’s guidance, and a talented supporting cast makes the Longhorns one of the most exciting teams in college football. For Ewers, the journey is far from over, and his story is one that college football fans will continue to follow with great interest.
