Quinn Ewers explains excitement for first game vs. 'The Team Up North' as Texas QB

In November 2021, Quinn Ewers looked on as Ohio State made it to Ann Arbor for “The Game” against Michigan. He didn’t play that day, but he saw the passion of the two fan bases in one of college football’s top rivalries.

After that season, Ewers entered the transfer portal and returned to his home state when he committed to Steve Sarkisian at Texas. But he’ll head back to The Big House one more time this year when the Longhorns and Wolverines square off in a Week 2 showdown.

That experience as a true freshman will likely help Ewers when he returns to Ann Arbor. After all, he didn’t say “Michigan” during his time at the SEC Media Days podium.

“Going up to The Big House, it’s gonna be an awesome environment,” Ewers said. “The place is gonna be rocking, especially all the hype because it’s an early game. They’re coming off a really big win – the national championship. Yeah, The Team Up North.”

Texas vs. Michigan is already generating buzz as one of the top games of the year. Two College Football Playoff teams a year ago – with the Wolverines bringing home the title – it’s shaping up to be a big day for FOX, which will broadcast the game in its “Big Noon” window.

For Ewers, there’s another level of excitement because he’s been to Michigan Stadium before. It’s safe to say he’s embracing the spotlight after his time in the rivalry atmosphere.

“To be the best, you’ve got to play the best,” Ewers said. “We’re all fired up to go … to Ann Arbor. It’s actually my second time going up there. I was up there when Ohio State played them back in 2021. It’s gonna be cool to go back up there and see it.

“I understand the hatred that Ohio State has for them. I understand the rivalry. It’s gonna be kinda cool to carry that. Overall, excited for the season and all the great games that we’re gonna have on the schedule.”

Quinn Ewers is looking to build on the huge step forward he took 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. He’ll start his journey to another impressive year when Texas takes on Colorado State in Week 1, which will set up the Week 2 showdown at The Big House in Ann Arbor.