Quinn Ewers’ success will determine whether Texas wins Big 12 title

Quinn Ewers comes into the 2023 season as one of the quarterbacks under the largest microscopes. Part of that is because he plays for the Texas Longhorns and part of that is because of how highly regarded he came out of high school compared to what kind of payer he is at the moment.

With all that in mind, On3’s JD PicKell easily labeled him as one of the college quarterbacks under the most pressure in a recent edition of ‘The Hard Count’. He said Ewers has a lot on his plate considering what his development could, or could not, mean on The 40 Acres this fall.

“For Quinn Ewers? The difference between him reaching his potential and not reaching his potential is the difference between Texas winning a Big 12 title. The reality is (Texas) expects a Big 12 title. Because you’ve been told for so long to just be patient, give it some time for the culture to mature. Then you were told to be patient with Quinn Ewers, give him some time,” PicKell said. “Well, now, you’re saying I want my return. I want my return on my investment for what I put into the program as a fan. Maybe you want some return for the patience you’ve had with this whole thing.”

“There’s no more excuses. And that’s a beautiful thing if you’re Quinn Ewers. Because you’re ready to make good on all that’s been said about you in a positive manner, all the trust that’s been put in you. To the same token, if Texas doesn’t achieve it, where else do you look?,” asked PicKell. “What I’m trying to say is there’s no more excuses for Quinn Ewers. There’s nowhere else to point if Texas doesn’t achieve what they want to achieve in 2023.”

Ewers came out of Southlake Carroll in 2021 as the No. 1 QB in On3’s Industry Rankings. He was also one of the highest-rated quarterbacks of the past decade. Then, after a short stint with Ohio State, he returned to Texas to play for the Longhorns in Austin.

In 10 appearances last season, Ewers threw for 2,177 yards and 15 touchdowns. However, he also threw nine picks while also only completing 58.1% of his passes.

It wasn’t the most ideal start to Ewers’ career in Austin. Pair that with the expectations of this season for Texas and the fact that Arch Manning is waiting in the wings and there’s a lot for Ewers to balance in 2023. Even so, PicKell sees that as a great spot for Ewers to potentially prove himself in considering it’s a do-or-die matter with the Longhorns.

“For Quinn Ewers, you welcome that pressure because no pressure, no diamonds,” PicKell stated. “But that’s the reality this year. (It’s) Big 12 title or bust for the Longhorns.”