Why is ewers starting

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Quinn Ewers is starting as quarterback for the Texas Longhorns because he transferred from Ohio State in 2022 and won the starting job. In 2023, he led Texas to a Big 12 Championship and College Football Playoff appearance, passing for 3,479 yards and 22 touchdowns. His performance earned him a return for the 2024 season, where he remains the established starter under head coach Steve Sarkisian.

Key Facts

Quinn Ewers transferred from Ohio State to Texas in January 2022
Ewers passed for 3,479 yards and 22 touchdowns in the 2023 season
Texas won the Big 12 Championship in 2023 under Ewers' leadership
Ewers led Texas to the College Football Playoff in the 2023 season
Steve Sarkisian named Ewers the starting quarterback for the 2024 season

Overview

Quinn Ewers' journey to becoming the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns began with his high-profile recruitment as the top-ranked quarterback in the 2021 class. After initially committing to Ohio State, Ewers enrolled early in 2021 but saw limited playing time behind C.J. Stroud. In January 2022, he transferred to the University of Texas, where he immediately entered a quarterback competition with Hudson Card. Ewers won the starting job for the 2022 season opener against Louisiana-Monroe but suffered a clavicle injury against Alabama that sidelined him for several weeks. He returned to lead Texas to an 8-5 season, showing flashes of his potential with 2,177 passing yards and 15 touchdowns in his first year as a Longhorn.

How It Works

Ewers secured his starting position through a combination of talent development and team success. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian's offensive system, Ewers improved his decision-making and accuracy throughout the 2023 season. The quarterback competition process at Texas involves evaluation of practice performance, game film analysis, and statistical metrics. Ewers' 69% completion percentage in 2023 demonstrated his growth in Sarkisian's pro-style offense. His ability to execute complex passing concepts and read defenses improved significantly from his first season, earning him the trust of coaches and teammates. The coaching staff evaluates quarterbacks based on leadership qualities, playbook mastery, and in-game performance before naming a starter.

Why It Matters

Ewers' starting role is crucial for Texas football as the program transitions to the Southeastern Conference in 2024. His experience and success provide stability during this conference change, with Texas aiming for national championship contention. Ewers' development impacts NFL draft projections, as he's considered a potential first-round pick. His leadership affects team morale and recruiting, demonstrating Texas' ability to develop elite quarterback talent. The continuity at quarterback position gives Texas competitive advantage in a challenging new conference environment.