What Quinn Ewers Returning In 2024 Means For Longhorns
While the college football world was freaking out over Nick Saban retiring and who will replace him, the Texas Longhorns received some fantastic news on Thursday.
Starting quarterback Quinn Ewers took to Instagram to announce that he will be returning for a third season in 2024. The news not only provides excitement for the ceiling of next season but in a way also hints that head coach Steve Sarkisian is not going anywhere.
Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman-USA TODAY NETWORK
The former Alabama offensive coordinator is viewed as a candidate to replace Saban by some, which is a long shot considering Texas is one of the best jobs in college football.
However, Ewers' return to Austin and Sarkisian himself reposting Ewers' video on his Instagram account, will give Texas fans the assurance they need.
In terms of what Ewers returning on the field means, the Longhorns are experienced at the most important position in football. When a team has a 12-2 season and has taken steps forward in each of the past few seasons, there is optimism that they'd continue that upward with Trend.
However, the Longhorns are losing their top-5 playmakers on offense, which could derail a team had they lost their quarterback.
With Ewers' return and the wide receiver room being rebuilt via elite recruiting and the transfer portal, the Longhorns may not have to worry about too big of a learning curve.
Texas has a chance to pair the speedy Oregon State receiver Silas Bolden with the dynamic Houston transfer Matthew Golden, meaning they'd need just one younger guy to step up.
As for Ewers, he saw a jump in just about every major category as he threw for more touchdowns, more yards, completed more passes, and according to PFF had fewer turnover-worthy plays. In year three of this offense, Texas fans should expect Ewers to take another step and emerge as one of the top quarterbacks in the country.
He will know the offense like the back of his hand and should have more confidence thanks to what he accomplished this year.
In 2024, Ewers could be poised for a big breakout year, which would allow him to mask the team's inexperience or otherwise detrimental flaws. Elite quarterback play can accomplish a lot at the college level, and the 2024 season could be the year he becomes elite.
