Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns, is facing a significant transition as his star quarterback, Quinn Ewers, has officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. Ewers made the announcement on social media, sharing a highlight video that encapsulated his college journey. After three seasons with the Longhorns, he expressed gratitude for the experiences and relationships he built during his time at the University of Texas.
Quinn Ewers’ heartfelt farewell
In his announcement, Ewers reflected on his time at Texas, stating, “These past three years have been the best years I could have imagined. The relationships I’ve built between coaches and teammates will last forever. I’m truly thankful for the opportunity to play football in my home state at the best university in the world. With prayer and careful consideration, I’m officially declaring for the NFL draft.” This heartfelt message resonates with many fans who have followed his journey closely.
Ewers leaves behind an impressive college career, having completed 737 passes for a staggering 9,128 yards and 68 touchdowns. His decision to turn pro marks a new chapter, not just for him, but for the Longhorns as they navigate the offseason and prepare for the future.
Texas Longhorns’ tough finish in the Cotton Bowl
The Longhorns concluded their season with a challenging matchup against the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. The game, held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, ended in disappointment for Sarkisian and his team, with a final score of 28-14. The Longhorns finished the season with a record of 13-3, showcasing their resilience throughout the year.
Despite being tied 14-14 entering the fourth quarter, Texas couldn’t hold off a late surge from Ohio State, who scored 14 unanswered points to secure their victory and advance to the College Football Playoff national championship. Ewers played valiantly in his final college game, completing 23 of 39 passes for 283 yards and two touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough to clinch the win.
Looking ahead: Roster changes and future prospects
As Ewers embarks on his professional journey, the Longhorns are also facing significant roster changes. With several players declaring for the NFL Draft, including wide receiver Isaiah Bond, who contributed 34 receptions for 540 yards and five touchdowns this past season, the team will need to regroup and strategize for the upcoming year. Bond’s departure, while notable, is just one of several changes that will shape the Longhorns’ roster.
However, not all news is grim for Sarkisian. He still has key players on the roster, including the highly-touted quarterback Arch Manning. Fans are eager to see Manning take the reins, especially after many called for him to start over Ewers during the 2024 season. With Manning’s talent and potential, the Longhorns are looking to build a strong foundation for the future.
Steve Sarkisian’s challenge moving forward
With Ewers’ departure and the Cotton Bowl loss still fresh in the minds of players and fans alike, Sarkisian faces the challenge of preparing his team for the next season. Regrouping after a tough finish will be crucial as the Longhorns aim to bounce back and make a strong push for the national championship in 2025.
The coaching staff will need to focus on developing the remaining players and integrating new talent into the system. The Longhorns have shown flashes of brilliance this season, and with the right adjustments, they could be a formidable force in college football next year.
Anticipation for the next season
As the offseason unfolds, excitement builds around the Longhorns’ potential. Fans are hopeful that with Arch Manning at the helm and a renewed focus on teamwork and development, Texas can reclaim its position among the elite programs in college football. The combination of returning players, new recruits, and a strong coaching staff sets the stage for what could be an exhilarating season ahead.
In conclusion, while the departure of Quinn Ewers marks the end of an era for the Longhorns, it also opens the door for new opportunities and challenges. Sarkisian’s leadership will be crucial as the team navigates these changes, aiming to build on their successes and learn from their setbacks. The future is bright for Texas football, and fans are eager to see how the team will rise to the occasion in the coming years.
