Steve Sarkisian silences talks of quarterback competition, names Quinn Ewers starter

All eyes have been on the Texas quarterback room this spring. Quinn Ewers is looking to bounce back after a tough first season, while Five-Star Plus+ quarterback Arch Manning has brought a ton of attention with him into college. Even presumed backup Maalik Murphy is drawing eyeballs, especially after Saturday’s spring game.

Many have wondered if there could possibly be a quarterback competition but head coach Steve Sarkisian put those thoughts to bed. He said it’s “pretty clear” that Ewers is the starting guy going forward.

“I think it’s pretty clear to say, Quinn is our starting quarterback,” Sarkisian said.

Sarkisian was complimentary of the quarterback play in the spring game, saying he enjoyed what he saw from both Manning and Murphy. The two split time opposite of Ewers, with Murphy, in particular, making a few highlight-level plays.

“When he really started to settle in, he has natural ability to pass the football,” Sarkisian said on Murphy. “He’s got great vision. When he pushes the ball down the field, it’s natural. I think the sky is the limit for the guy.”

However, there is no doubt in his mind who will take the season’s opening snap on Sept. 2 against Rice, barring injury. Ewers won the 2022 quarterback competition against Hudson Card. And even after spending time on the sideline due to an injury, Ewers came back into his starting role against Oklahoma.

Ewers played in and started in 10 games last season — his first with Texas. He threw for just over 2,100 yards while having 15 touchdowns and six interceptions. Connecting with his receivers was a problem for Ewers, sitting at a 58.1 completion percentage.

An improved Year Two is expected and Ewers had the opportunity to show off his development in front of the hometown crowd. Of the 12 throws, nine ended up in receiver’s hands and went for a total of 134 yards. None was better than the one-handed grab from Georgia transfer AD Mitchell, making a spectacular play.

Sarkisian will continue to develop the quarterbacks around him. This time next season, we may be discussing a quarterback competition between Murphy and Manning. Texas will be making a move into the SEC and Sarkisian will have an important decision to make.

But for now, Ewers will be the guy running the show and will be the starter. To Sarkisian, the decision is a clear one and one he is confident in.