Quinn Ewers analyzes changes in Texas offense without Bijan Robinson

Bijan Robinson was the straw that stirred the drink for Texas on offense the last three years. He was a key part of both the run and pass games as he became a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Now that he’s out of the picture, all eyes are on Quinn Ewers and the rest of the offense to deal with Robinson’s departure. It sounds like the Longhorns will air it out more, meaning Steve Sarkisian and Co. could come out with a new look.

Ewers discussed the importance of transforming the offense every year, which is why he thinks Texas will be able to deal with losing Robinson.

“It’s a good question,” Ewers said. “Offenses, they change every year. We lose guys, we gained guys. Bijan, he’s a generational talent. I’m so fired up to see what he does for the Falcons this year. We won’t have that guy in our backfield, but depth we have in that room is unreal. We’re going to have guys that are able to make some similar plays that he did last year and the years before. I’m excited.”

Even though Texas’ top two rushers — Robinson and Roschon Johnson — are both off to the NFL, the Longhorns have their top three receivers back. Xavier Worthy is the biggest name of the group after totaling a team-high 760 yards to go with nine touchdowns. Jordan Whittington and Ja’Tavion Sanders are also returning after totaling 652 and 613 receiving yards, respectively, in 2022.

In addition, one of last year’s most anticipated newcomers looks to contribute, as well. Texas brought in Isaiah Neyor out of the transfer portal, but he missed the 2022 campaign due to injury. He’s now looking to make an impact this season after checking in as the No. 9-ranked transfer during the 2022 cycle, according to the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings.

Sarkisian and the Longhorns also turned to the portal again this offseason to add a receiver. AD Mitchell joined the party after starting his career at Georgia and was the No. 4 transfer to hit the portal in 2023, per the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings. He totaled 560 yards and seven touchdowns in his two years in Athens, including a touchdown in all four of the Bulldogs’ College Football Playoff games.

With so much talent both coming back and coming in, Ewers will have his options in the passing game. It’s a big reason why there’s so much optimism about the leap he could take this season as Texas was picked to win the Big 12.