Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian has made a decisive statement regarding the future of his starting quarterback, Quinn Ewers. After a tough loss and a somewhat inconsistent performance, questions arose about Ewers’ role moving forward. However, Sarkisian has put those doubts to rest, affirming that Ewers will remain the starting quarterback for Texas, even though he was briefly benched in favor of backup Maalik Murphy during the game.
Ewers, who has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, struggled in recent outings, including the pivotal loss to Georgia. Despite this, Sarkisian emphasized that the benching was not an indication of a permanent change but rather a strategic decision to give Ewers a chance to reset and refocus. The coach expressed full confidence in Ewers’ abilities and leadership, citing the young quarterback’s talent, work ethic, and potential as key reasons for his continued role as the team’s leader on the field.
Sarkisian acknowledged that Ewers, like many young quarterbacks, is going through the natural learning curve of handling the pressures of leading a high-profile program like Texas. He stressed that moments of adversity, like being benched mid-game, are part of the growing process for any quarterback. “We believe in Quinn and what he brings to this team,” Sarkisian said. “He’s a competitor, and this is just one of those bumps in the road that can help him get better.”
While Maalik Murphy did come in to give the offense a spark, Sarkisian made it clear that the team is still fully behind Ewers. He praised Murphy’s preparedness and professionalism, but reiterated that Ewers’ starting role remains intact. Sarkisian sees the benching as a short-term tactic to reignite the offense and give Ewers a chance to view the game from a different perspective—one that could ultimately help him improve as the season progresses.
Ewers, a highly touted recruit, has had both high and low moments in his time as the Longhorns’ starter, but his potential is undeniable. With a strong arm and a keen football IQ, he has the tools to be a successful quarterback for Texas. Sarkisian’s public backing of Ewers suggests that the coach is committed to his development, despite occasional struggles.
As the Longhorns push forward with key games still ahead, Sarkisian’s decision to stick with Ewers reflects a long-term vision for the team. While the benching may have raised eyebrows, it’s clear that Ewers remains the centerpiece of the Longhorns’ offense, and Sarkisian is confident that he will rebound and lead the team to success. The message is clear: Quinn Ewers is still Texas’ quarterback, and the Longhorns are counting on him to lead them through the remainder of the season.