Quinn Ewers on game vs. Michigan: 'It's gonna be a good time'

In 2021, during his lone season at Ohio State, Quinn Ewers got a first-hand look at one of college football’s most storied rivalries. He traveled with the Buckeyes to Ann Arbor to take on Michigan in what turned out to be the Wolverines’ first victory over their rivals in a decade.

In September, Ewers will make his return to the Big House – although instead of wearing scarlet and gray, he’ll be in burnt orange as he prepares for his third season at Texas. The Longhorns and Wolverines will be on the big stage as FOX’s “Big Noon Kickoff” game in Week 2 after both teams made runs to the College Football Playoff last year, with Michigan winning the national championship.

Ewers knows what it’s like when Michigan Stadium gets rocking. That helps fuel the excitement about his next trip to Ann Arbor this fall.

“It’ll be my second time up there, so I’m excited to get back up there,” Ewers said at the Manning Passing Academy held at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, La. “Defending champs, it’s gonna be a great environment, lot of people. It’s gonna be a good time.”

Since transferring to Texas ahead of the 2022 season, Ewers got to see another fierce rivalry first-hand. He started the last two Red River Rivalry games against Oklahoma, winning last year’s matchup 34-30. That day, Ewers threw for 349 yards and a touchdown.

With that experience in hostile environments, Ewers said it adds more fuel to the fire when Texas heads to Michigan. Add in his understanding of the Ohio State rivalry, and he’s ready to go.

“The Red River game’s always one of my favorites every year,” Ewers said. “Like every rivalry game, they’re all heated. They all mean a lot to each program and all the fans. It’s cool to be a part of games like that, especially coming from Ohio State. I understand that rivalry. Going up there, it’s gonna mean a lot.”

Quinn Ewers took a big step forward in 2023, even despite missing time with an injury. He threw for 3,161 yards and 21 touchdowns across 11 games as a redshirt sophomore. His biggest game, though, came in the Big 12 Championship against Oklahoma State when he threw for 452 yards and four touchdowns to set new title game records in both categories.

Now, he’s back for another year at Texas and will help usher in a new era. The Longhorns are moving to the SEC, and could contend immediately as they look to build on last year.

The Bengal Tiger’s Shea Dixon contributed to this report.