Quinn Ewers aside, Texas Heisman odds paint unrealistic picture

You have to go all the way back to 1999 to find the last Texas Heisman Trophy winner with Ricky Williams. Colt McCoy a decade later was the last real Longhorn to be in the running, making the trip to New York City but finishing in third behind Mark Ingram and Toby Gerhart. For one of college football’s top programs, there has not been too much affiliation with the sport’s most prestigious individual award.

Those in Austin will be hoping things change this season, with Quinn Ewers being in the mix. USC quarterback Caleb Williams, the current holder, is the preseason favorite and rightfully so. But Ewers is not too far behind and with the flash shown last season, the potential is there.

“Quinn Ewers, Texas starting quarterback, is +1000,” On3’s Andy Staples began. “He’s one of the favorites and that makes sense. Texas is probably more talented than most of the teams on the schedule. They’re going to be favored probably in 11 games this regular season. Probably everyone but at Alabama. And Quinn Ewers showed flashes last season, especially during that loss against Alabama before he got hurt, that he could be special.”

If you join Staples in looking further down the list, you will see another UT quarterback. Former Five-Star Plus+ prospect and now freshman Arch Manning is available for people to wager on after just a spring on the 40 Acres. A big name with a ton of hype at a school such as Texas. To some extent, it makes sense for Manning’s odds to be offered.

Only problem? If Ewers were to get hurt again and miss some time, Manning would not be the one playing the role formerly known as Hudson Card. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has defined somebody else as his backup quarterback.

“The other Texas quarterback who has odds is Arch Manning,” Staples said. “He’s between +8000 and +12500. No Maalik Murphy on the board. If Quinn Ewers goes down, Maalik Murphy is the guy coming in. That’s one you might want to look for.”

Regardless of who plays quarterback this season for Texas, there is going to be a ton of offensive talent surrounding them. Wide receivers go two-deep on the depth chart and despite losing Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson, the running back room should excel.

Numbers are going to be put up under Sarkisian whether Ewers or Murphy is running the show. If Murphy does play prolonged minutes, he may be someone for Staples to think about for the Heisman.

“They have a ton of talent, especially at skill position,” Staples said. “They could put some big numbers up on offense. If something were to happen to Quinn Ewers, Maalik Murphy is probably that next guy in. That’s the guy you probably should be looking for.”