Quinn Ewers remains a subject of heated debate among Texas Longhorns fans and analysts, as opinions diverge over whether he is the team’s greatest asset or its biggest hindrance. Despite leading Texas to consecutive playoff appearances, questions about his individual performance persist. His decision to stay for another season under head coach Steve Sarkisian raised hopes in January but has also amplified scrutiny.
A Polarizing Quarterback
Ewers’ talent and consistency have been called into question, with analysts noting a stark contrast between his moments of brilliance and times of struggle. Jake Crain of Crain & Company highlighted this inconsistency, remarking, “With Quinn Ewers, it’s just so wild to me because he looks so good at times and then at other times, he looks so lost… With Quinn, if it’s not all perfect, it turns into a disaster.” These comments reflect the frustration many fans feel about his erratic performances.
Ewers’ most recent setback came during the SEC Championship game, where Texas lost to Georgia for the second straight time under head coach Kirby Smart. Ewers completed 27 of 46 passes for 358 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions while being sacked six times. Despite statistically outperforming Georgia in several areas, Texas failed to capitalize, even with Georgia relying on a backup quarterback for part of the game. Jake Crain underscored this point, asking fans to consider why the Longhorns couldn’t secure a victory despite such advantages.
Criticism Extends Beyond Ewers
The blame has not been placed solely on Ewers. Steve Sarkisian has faced backlash for his decisions during the championship game, particularly his reluctance to replace Ewers with Arch Manning, the highly touted backup quarterback. Some fans argue that Sarkisian’s loyalty to Ewers, especially in his final college season, might be hindering Texas’ chances in high-stakes games.
David Cone offered a blunt assessment of Ewers’ future, stating, “I don’t think Quinn Ewers is a starting quarterback at the next level. I don’t think he’s a projected top-5 quarterback in all these.” This sentiment adds fuel to the ongoing debate about whether Ewers deserves to start or if Manning should take over.
A Crucial Playoff Decision
Texas’ loss to Georgia dropped them out of the top four playoff seeds, denying them a first-round bye. The Longhorns are now set to face No. 12 Clemson on December 22 in the playoffs, a team that secured its spot by defeating SMU in the ACC Championship. The lingering question is whether Sarkisian will stick with Ewers or turn to Manning, a move many fans are demanding.
As the playoffs approach, the debate about Ewers’ role intensifies. Supporters believe he deserves another chance to prove himself, while critics argue it’s time for a change to maximize Texas’ potential. Regardless of who starts, the pressure is immense, and the stakes have never been higher for Texas. The upcoming game will likely determine whether the Longhorns can overcome their recent struggles or if their season ends in disappointment.