Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian addressed the media ahead of the team’s pivotal final home game, casting doubt on whether star quarterback Quinn Ewers will suit up. With Ewers nursing a knee injury sustained earlier in the season, speculation has swirled not only about his immediate availability but also about his long-term future in college football. Sarkisian’s cryptic remarks have left fans and analysts alike wondering if Ewers’ time in Austin could be nearing its end.
Ewers, the former five-star recruit and centerpiece of Texas’ offense, has had an up-and-down season marred by injuries. After an impressive start to the year, including standout performances against Alabama and Kansas, the quarterback suffered a knee injury that sidelined him for multiple games. His absence shifted the offensive workload onto backup Maalik Murphy and highly touted freshman Arch Manning, both of whom have shown promise but lack Ewers’ experience and poise under pressure.
While Ewers has been rehabbing diligently, Sarkisian’s latest update casts uncertainty on whether he will take the field for Texas’ final home game of the season.
“I honestly have no idea,” Sarkisian said when asked if this game could mark Ewers’ final appearance at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. “We’re focused on his health and making sure he’s ready when the time comes. Whether that’s this week, next week, or beyond, we’ll see.”
Sarkisian’s remarks seem to acknowledge both the immediate question of Ewers’ physical readiness and the broader uncertainty surrounding his future in college football.
Part of the intrigue surrounding Ewers’ situation is the growing belief that he may declare for the NFL Draft after this season. Despite missing time due to injuries, Ewers’ natural arm talent, accuracy, and football IQ have kept him on NFL scouts’ radar. With the 2024 draft class shaping up to be deep at the quarterback position, Ewers could opt to enter the professional ranks before facing another year of college football’s physical toll.
However, questions about his durability and consistency may also lead him to return for another season in Austin. A strong finish to the year—including a potential appearance in the Big 12 Championship or College Football Playoff—could bolster his draft stock significantly.
When asked about the possibility of Ewers turning pro, Sarkisian deflected, emphasizing the team’s focus on the present. “That’s a decision for Quinn and his family to make when the time comes. Right now, our priority is preparing for this game and finishing the season strong.”
The uncertainty surrounding Ewers’ availability comes at a critical juncture for Texas. With an 8-1 record and a legitimate shot at the College Football Playoff, the Longhorns are fighting to maintain their momentum. Ewers’ absence in recent weeks has forced Sarkisian to adapt his offensive game plan, relying more heavily on the running game and short-passing schemes to accommodate the less-experienced quarterbacks.
Maalik Murphy has held his own in Ewers’ stead, leading Texas to a gritty win over Kansas State last week. However, the offense has lacked the explosive vertical threat that Ewers provides, making his potential return all the more crucial as Texas gears up for its final stretch of games.
If Ewers does return for the Longhorns’ final home game, it could serve as a defining moment in his Texas career. The quarterback has shown flashes of brilliance since transferring from Ohio State, but injuries and inconsistency have left his legacy incomplete. A triumphant performance in front of a home crowd could cement Ewers’ place in Longhorn lore, whether or not he chooses to declare for the draft.
On the flip side, if Ewers remains sidelined, his absence will only fuel speculation about his future. For Texas fans, the prospect of this being Ewers’ final season in burnt orange adds an emotional layer to an already high-stakes game.
For now, the Longhorns will have to wait and see if their star quarterback is cleared to play. Sarkisian’s cautious approach suggests that the decision will hinge on Ewers’ health rather than sentimentality. Regardless of whether he takes the field, Ewers’ impact on Texas football has been significant, and his potential departure would mark the end of an era.
As the Longhorns prepare for their home finale, the uncertainty surrounding Ewers adds a dramatic subplot to a season already filled with twists and turns. Whether this game marks the end of Ewers’ college career or just another chapter in his journey, one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher for Texas football.