Quinn Ewers’ time at Texas might be over, but his impact on the Longhorns’ football program is undeniable. As he walked across the field at AT&T Stadium, flanked by cameras and reporters, the atmosphere was electric yet bittersweet. The massive screens displayed “OHIO STATE WINS!” in bold scarlet letters, a stark reminder that the trophy presentation was not for his team. Ewers acknowledged the Longhorn fans, who raised their horns in solidarity, despite the disappointment looming in the air.
Reaching the tunnel leading to the Texas locker room, Ewers paused to reflect. He kissed the towel around his neck twice, a gesture filled with nostalgia. This field had been the site of his high school state championship, a Big 12 title, and potentially his final college game.
In a College Football Playoff semifinal, Ohio State defeated Texas 28-14, securing a spot in the national championship against Notre Dame. This marked the second consecutive year the Longhorns’ season ended at this stage. Last year, they were just a play away from victory against Washington, and this year, they faced a similar fate against the Buckeyes.
Before the game, Texas players reflected on their previous loss to Washington, emphasizing how it shaped their approach this season. Ewers had expressed his commitment to doing “anything it took to get us right back here,” aiming to take the team further.
With just under seven minutes left and Texas trailing 21-14, Ewers showcased his trademark calmness as he led the offense from their own 25-yard line to a first-and-goal at the Ohio State 2-yard line. However, the Longhorns struggled to capitalize on this golden opportunity. Jerrick Gibson’s first rush resulted in no gain, and on the second attempt, Ewers pitched the ball to Quintrevion Wisner, who was tackled for a seven-yard loss.
On third down, Ewers attempted a pass to freshman Ryan Wingo, but it was broken up in the end zone. Facing a critical fourth down, Ewers dropped back to pass but was quickly overwhelmed by Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer, who strip-sacked him and returned the fumble 83 yards for a touchdown. Ewers acknowledged the pressure, stating he felt Sawyer closing in and tried to make the throw before contact.
“It’s not like I tried to give them the game,” Ewers remarked, reflecting on the moment. “But I saw Jack running with the ball down the sideline. It sucks, man. But he’s a great player.” His frustration was palpable, emphasizing the emotional weight of the loss.
The game had its share of poetic moments. Ewers began his career at Ohio State and shared a room with Sawyer before transferring to Texas. After the game, Sawyer recounted a light-hearted exchange with Ewers, who jokingly told him, “screw you,” a testament to their friendship despite the competitive rivalry.
Another pivotal moment occurred late in the second quarter. After Texas tied the game at 7-7, Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson caught a pass and sprinted 75 yards for a touchdown, shifting the momentum back to the Buckeyes. Texas had prepared for Henderson’s speed, yet a coverage breakdown allowed him to score easily.
“It’s unfortunate that they hit the screen,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian commented. “Definitely stole some momentum.” Despite this setback, Texas responded strongly in the third quarter, with Ewers leading a drive that tied the game again.
The Longhorns’ defense also stepped up, recording two sacks against a Buckeyes offensive line that had allowed just 12 all season. They successfully contained star wideout Jeremiah Smith, limiting him to a single catch for three yards, showcasing their defensive prowess.
As the fourth quarter approached, Texas had a chance to seize control of the game. However, Ewers ultimately fell short in executing the critical plays needed for victory. He finished the game with 283 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception, while the rushing attack struggled to gain traction with just 58 yards.
Though Ewers will not compete for a national championship, his contributions have been significant in helping Texas elevate its program under Sarkisian’s leadership. “I’m super proud of Quinn,” Sarkisian remarked. “He showed up every day and worked hard, becoming a great leader and teammate.” Ewers’ resilience in the face of pressure has earned him respect among his peers.
Looking ahead, speculation surrounds Ewers’ future, with potential NIL opportunities drawing attention to his next steps. While he has not declared for the NFL Draft, reports suggest that he is contemplating that path. Meanwhile, the Texas fan base is already focusing on the next generation, particularly Arch Manning.
“It hurts, it stings right now,” Sarkisian acknowledged. “But we won’t let this game overshadow our accomplishments this season. We aimed to be champions, and while we fell short, there are valuable lessons to take away from this experience.” The Longhorns’ journey continues, with Ewers leaving a lasting legacy in Texas football history.
