Texas QB Quinn Ewers refused to leave lineup against Kentucky despite injury from an illegal NFL tactic
Ewers goes through Texas senior day festivities, throws two TDs in win over Kentucky
When the season began, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers figured the 2024 campaign would be his last in college. He’d lead the Longhorns to a championship and then become a high NFL draft pick.
No. 3 Texas is one victory away from clinching a spot in the SEC championship game in Atlanta. Next week’s game against Texas A&M will be an epic way to restart the red-hot rivalry that’s been dormant since 2011.
But Ewers’ draft stock has taken some lumps this season with an abdominal strain and inconsistent deep throws. Texas (10-1, 6-1 SEC) potentially has a bunch of games left, so the final report has yet to be written.
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Still, Ewers went through Texas senior day festivities on Saturday prior to facing Kentucky. He was the last player introduced to the sold-out crowd of 100,000-plus at Royal-Memorial Stadium. He could return in 2025 if Ewers wanted, but he may still follow his original plan.
“Man, what a great time,” Ewers said immediately after the game in a social media post. “The last Texas home game for these seniors. And it feels so good to go out on top. The fans showed out. Hook ’em.”
Later with reporters, Ewers said, “10-1 is a great feeling. Ten wins is hard to do in this conference for sure, and for us to be in this position where we are able to control our destiny, it’s a good feeling.”
Against Kentucky, Ewers completed 20 of 31 passes for 191 yards and threw two touchdown passes to tight end Gunnar Helm. Ewers showed tremendous touch on a ball over one defender to Isaiah Bond in the open field. His second touchdown throw to Helm from 17 yards out will definitely get NFL scouts’ attention.
“He’s super important,” Ewers said of Helm. “From the timing in which he got here, and where he is now, its been cool to see his growth on the field. I really like throwing the football to him.”
In the first half, Ewers suffered an ankle injury on what coach Steve Sarkisian said was a hip drop tackle, something that’s now outlawed in the NFL. Sarkisian continued to play Ewers even though it was obvious he was hobbled.
If this is indeed his final season at UT, it’ll take a lot more to knock Ewers out of the lineup.
“I mean, we all want to win a national championship, and that's been our goal for as long as I can remember,” Ewers said. “So, that’d be pretty cool. Personally, get the ball in the playmakers hands and let them make plays.”
