Texas Football Announces Clear Starting QB Decision Before Clemson Matchup
As college football ramps up in anticipation of the 2024 season, the University of Texas Longhorns have made one of the most significant announcements of the offseason: the declaration of their starting quarterback heading into their crucial early-season matchup against the Clemson Tigers. With the quarterback position often serving as the focal point of a program’s success, the Longhorns’ decision is not only a pivotal moment for the team but also sends ripples through the entire college football landscape, particularly in the competitive Big 12 and the ever-challenging national stage. The news comes at a time when the Longhorns are aiming to bounce back from a somewhat underwhelming 2023 season and build momentum toward a more successful campaign in 2024.
As expectations continue to grow for Steve Sarkisian’s program, Texas’ decision regarding the starting quarterback has been under scrutiny for months. With several talented quarterbacks on the roster, including some highly rated recruits and experienced players, it was unclear who would take the helm in a critical year for the program. With the season opener against a program as historically successful as Clemson, there was an air of uncertainty surrounding the Texas quarterback room that added to the excitement and drama of the offseason.
After weeks of spring practices, summer workouts, and training camp, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and his coaching staff have finally made their decision. The Longhorns’ choice at quarterback will significantly impact their season, and how the player fits into Sarkisian’s offensive system will shape Texas’ offensive identity. Now that the decision has been made, it is time to break down the key details of the announcement, the implications for the Longhorns in 2024, and what it means for their game against Clemson.
The Texas Quarterback Battle: An Overview
In the 2023 season, Texas had a quarterback competition that kept fans, analysts, and recruits guessing. The Longhorns had several quarterbacks who were vying for the starting job, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. While Quinn Ewers was expected to be the leader of the pack, several backup options were pushing for playing time, adding intrigue to the race.
Ewers, a former highly-rated recruit and transfer from Ohio State, had flashes of brilliance but also struggles with consistency, leading to uncertainty about his future as Texas’ long-term signal-caller. Hudson Card, another highly talented quarterback who showed promise when called upon, also added to the mix, creating an interesting and competitive atmosphere within the quarterback room. Additionally, the Longhorns had several up-and-coming recruits who hoped to make a name for themselves in the program.
Despite the variety of talent at the position, Texas’ offensive play struggled at times. While there was potential, the Longhorns’ offense had inconsistencies that prevented them from reaching the level of success they desired in the Big 12 and beyond. That led to the coaching staff working relentlessly throughout the offseason to evaluate each player and decide who would best lead the offense in 2024.
The Clear Decision
After an intense and competitive camp, Steve Sarkisian and his coaching staff made it clear: Quinn Ewers would remain the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns. Ewers, who has been under the spotlight since his transfer to Texas, now enters his second season as the team’s primary quarterback. While his 2023 campaign had its highs and lows, Sarkisian’s decision to stick with Ewers as the leader of the offense indicates the coaching staff’s belief in his development and upside.
This announcement is significant for several reasons. First, it signals a commitment to continuity and stability at the quarterback position. Texas has had its fair share of quarterback controversies over the past decade, with multiple players shuffling in and out of the starting lineup. By naming Ewers the clear starter, Sarkisian is signaling that he wants to give Ewers every opportunity to develop into the player that Texas needs to compete for Big 12 championships and potentially challenge for a playoff spot. The decision also provides the team with clarity, allowing the offense to begin preparations for the 2024 season with a leader in place.
Ewers’ ability to take the next step in his development will be crucial to the Longhorns’ success. While his raw talent is undeniable, he struggled with some of the finer aspects of quarterback play, including consistency, accuracy, and decision-making in key moments. However, Sarkisian’s offensive system has a proven track record of developing quarterbacks, and Ewers has shown flashes of the elite level of play that made him a five-star recruit out of high school.
With Ewers confirmed as the starting quarterback, it also means that Texas’ offensive identity will be tailored to his skill set. Sarkisian has already hinted that Ewers will have more freedom in his decision-making, and the offense will lean more on his arm strength and playmaking ability. The combination of a strong offensive line, elite skill players at running back and wide receiver, and Ewers’ arm talent could create a dynamic and dangerous offense in 2024.
Ewers’ Growth in 2024
One of the most significant aspects of Ewers’ 2024 campaign will be his ability to build upon the lessons learned in 2023. As a former top recruit, Ewers came into Texas with sky-high expectations. He had a solid debut season but lacked the consistency required to truly take Texas to the next level. Throughout the offseason, Ewers has worked hard to improve his mechanics, decision-making, and his ability to handle pressure situations.
Ewers’ growth will be tested immediately in the 2024 season, with a tough opening matchup against Clemson. The Tigers, led by head coach Dabo Swinney, have been a fixture in the College Football Playoff picture for the past decade. Their defense, always one of the best in the country, will be an early challenge for Ewers and the Texas offense. The game against Clemson will serve as a major test for Ewers’ ability to perform in high-stakes situations, and how he handles adversity early in the season will be a key storyline to follow.
The Texas Offense in 2024
With Ewers confirmed as the starting quarterback, the next step will be to ensure that he has the pieces around him to succeed. Fortunately for the Longhorns, the offense is loaded with talent at nearly every position. Texas boasts a talented wide receiver corps, headlined by Xavier Worthy, a deep threat capable of taking over games. Worthy, along with emerging stars like Jordan Whittington and Ja’Tavion Sanders, provides Ewers with a talented group of pass-catchers who can stretch the field and create mismatches.
In the backfield, Texas also has a stable of running backs that could keep defenses on their toes. Jonathan Brooks and Bijan Robinson, who was a star in 2023, were among the best backs in the country, and Brooks now enters a featured role in 2024. The Longhorns’ offensive line is another strength, with several experienced players anchoring the front. Sarkisian’s offense is known for its ability to balance the passing game with a strong running game, and the combination of Ewers and the offensive personnel around him should give the Longhorns a versatile attack that can move the ball in a variety of ways.
Texas’ offense will need to find a rhythm early in the season, and the Clemson matchup will provide the perfect opportunity to test the unit. How the Longhorns balance their run and pass attack, and how Ewers adjusts to the pressure of playing against a top-tier defense, will be key to determining whether they can capitalize on their potential.
Clemson: A Difficult Early Test
Clemson, a program with championship pedigree, represents one of the toughest challenges that Texas could face in the opening game of the 2024 season. The Tigers, led by Dabo Swinney, have established themselves as one of the top programs in college football. While their 2023 season didn’t end in the College Football Playoff, Clemson’s defense remains one of the most feared in the nation, making them an excellent barometer for Ewers and the Texas offense.
Texas will need to match Clemson’s physicality and intensity, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. With a quarterback like Ewers, who has shown the ability to throw the ball downfield with precision, the Longhorns will need to capitalize on any opportunities they get against Clemson’s defense. But, at the same time, the Texas defense will need to step up against a potent Clemson offense that, although unproven in some areas, has a tendency to rise to the occasion in big games.
Looking Ahead: What the Decision Means for Texas
The decision to name Quinn Ewers as the starting quarterback sets the stage for a pivotal 2024 season for the Texas Longhorns. With the expectations high and a difficult opener against Clemson on the horizon, Texas must quickly find their offensive rhythm and solidify their identity. If Ewers can live up to his potential and lead the offense efficiently, Texas could find itself in the mix for a Big 12 title and, depending on how the season unfolds, possibly even a shot at the College Football Playoff.
Ewers’ leadership, combined with the wealth of talent surrounding him, has the potential to make Texas a contender in the national conversation. Whether the Longhorns can truly take the next step depends on how well Ewers grows into his role and how quickly the offense comes together. But with Sarkisian’s guidance, and a clear plan in place, Texas is poised to enter the 2024 season with optimism, confidence, and the hope of returning to championship contention.
With everything to play for, the Longhorns’ journey toward a successful 2024 campaign begins with the opening game against Clemson—and Quinn Ewers is ready to lead them.
