Steve Sarkisian updates progress of QB competition between Quinn Ewers, Hudson Card

Steve Sarkisian is in charge of one the biggest remaining quarterback competitions in college football. On one hand he has Quinn Ewers, an Ohio State transfer and No. 1 QB in On3’s 2021 Consensus Top Recruits. On the other hand he has Hudson Card, a redshirt sophomore who was On3’s No. 5 QB in the 2020 class. With fall camp underway in Austin, Sarkisian has provided an update on the competition.

Sarkisian did so during a media availability on Monday. He says both prospects are worthy of the starting job based on their work ethic and production through the first week of camp.

“I’m enjoying it. I’m really enjoying it because you both of these guys are working their tails off. Both of them are really coachable and trying to do what we’re asking them to do,” said Sarkisian. “Both of them are making some really nice plays whether it’s a quick game, audibles, intermediate throws, down the field throws. I think they’re both playing with a lot of confidence and so that’s part of the fun.”

Card is the one with experience for the Longhorns. He has thrown 86 passes for 595 yards and five touchdowns in nine appearances at Texas. With Casey Thompson’s transfer to Nebraska, it was his time to shine for a moment. However, Ewers threw a wrench in that plan when he transferred from Columbus this offseason. The former five-star more than makes his case even without any college experience yet to his name.

Steve Sarkisian just wants to see the remainder of the competition be smooth sailing for all parties involved. That’ll help both players fine tune their understanding of the offense and help Sarkisian pick who will start for Texas this season.

“What makes it hard is when it’s herky jerky. One day it’s good, one day it’s not great,” said Sarkisian. “This feels really good because it’s a very positive feel about it. I think they both have a pretty good understanding of what we’re doing. They’re not perfect. Like I said, it’s day five. I don’t expect them to be perfect. The instillation is still ongoing but they’re being coachable and they’re learning.”

Both Ewers and Card can justify on paper to be the man for Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns this fall. It’s about who wins it in camp, though, that’ll be what matters for those in Austin. With a little under a month to go before their opener against UL Monroe, time is running out for one of the two to be under center come September 3rd.