The Texas Longhorns have had no shortage of storylines this season, but one that has particularly dominated headlines is the quarterback situation. Quinn Ewers, the highly touted signal-caller, has been the focal point of the team’s offensive attack this year. However, in a surprising move leading up to Week 9, the Longhorns made a significant change to the media responsibilities typically handled by Ewers, leading to further speculation about the state of Texas’ quarterback battle and the team’s strategy heading into the final stretch of the season.
This change, while seemingly small on the surface, has ignited conversations about what it means for the quarterback position and the team’s direction. As Texas heads into the latter part of the season with crucial games in the always-competitive Big 12, the decision to adjust Ewers’ media duties raises questions about both the health of the quarterback and the team’s potential pivot in strategy as they look to make a run for a conference championship.
Quinn Ewers came into the 2023 season as one of the most hyped quarterbacks in college football. After transferring from Ohio State and sitting out the majority of his freshman year, Ewers took over as Texas’ starting quarterback in 2022 and displayed flashes of brilliance. His ability to make deep throws and manage the offense made him the clear leader heading into this season.
In 2023, Ewers started off strong, leading the Longhorns to several key wins and positioning Texas as a contender in the Big 12. His performance against Alabama, where he outdueled Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe, was particularly impressive and helped solidify Ewers as one of the premier quarterbacks in the country.
However, like all seasons, the road has had its bumps. Ewers suffered an injury in Week 7 against Houston, leading to speculation about his availability for future games. Though the injury was not initially seen as season-ending, questions swirled about how the Longhorns would manage the quarterback situation going forward, especially with talented backups on the roster.
Heading into Week 9, it was expected that Quinn Ewers would continue to handle the bulk of the media duties, as starting quarterbacks often do. However, in a surprising move, Texas adjusted their media strategy by limiting Ewers’ exposure and pushing other players, including backup quarterbacks, into the spotlight.
This change immediately raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about whether it was a sign of Ewers’ injury being more severe than originally thought. The reduction in Ewers’ media appearances could indicate that the coaching staff is preparing for a scenario where he may not be ready to play, or that the team is shifting focus to its backup quarterbacks as they prepare for potential starts.
The change in media responsibilities brings Texas’ backup quarterbacks into the spotlight, most notably Arch Manning and Maalik Murphy. Both quarterbacks are talented in their own right and have been waiting for an opportunity to make an impact.
Maalik Murphy, a redshirt freshman, has been the immediate backup to Ewers and has shown potential in practice and limited game action. He’s known for his strong arm and ability to extend plays, which has made him a popular figure among fans who are curious to see what he can bring to the offense in the event Ewers is unable to play.
Then, of course, there’s Arch Manning, the highly touted freshman quarterback and nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning. While Manning has yet to play significant snaps this season, the expectations surrounding him are immense. His decision to commit to Texas made national headlines, and many are waiting to see when he will get his shot to lead the Longhorns.
If Ewers’ injury lingers, the coaching staff could turn to either Murphy or Manning to fill the void. The decision to alter media responsibilities could be a signal that Texas is preparing for such a possibility. Whether it’s an attempt to give both Murphy and Manning more visibility or simply a precautionary move remains to be seen, but the change has certainly created intrigue heading into Week 9.
As Texas approaches Week 9 and beyond, the quarterback situation will be critical in determining the team’s success for the remainder of the season. If Ewers is able to recover from his injury and return to form, the Longhorns will continue to have one of the most dynamic offenses in the Big 12, with a chance to compete for a conference title and potentially more.
However, if Ewers is sidelined for an extended period, Texas will have to turn to one of their talented backups to keep their championship hopes alive. Both Maalik Murphy and Arch Manning have the talent to step in, but it’s unclear how the coaching staff will approach the situation if a change is necessary. The adjustment to media responsibilities may be the first indication that Texas is preparing for life without Ewers, at least in the short term.
The Texas Longhorns’ decision to shift media responsibilities away from Quinn Ewers ahead of Week 9 has created a stir in the college football world. While it could simply be a precautionary move or part of a larger strategy to protect Ewers from media scrutiny as he recovers, it has also fueled speculation about the state of the quarterback battle in Austin.
As Texas moves forward, how the team handles the quarterback position will be critical in determining its fate this season. Whether Ewers returns to the field or the team leans on one of its talented backups, the Longhorns remain a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12. The next few weeks will be crucial in defining the trajectory of their season, and all eyes will be on who ultimately takes the snaps for Texas down the stretch.