LIVE FROM ATLANTA: The anticipation is palpable as Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers prepares for another shot at college football glory. The Longhorns, who haven’t tasted national championship success since 2005, are on the brink of a historic comeback.
“This game is my life,” Ewers told reporters in a reflective moment after Texas’ thrilling 39-31 victory over Arizona State in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl. “The whole team lives for this, and to have another opportunity after last year’s heartbreak means everything.”
The Bitter Memory of the Sugar Bowl
Ewers’ determination stems from the stinging memory of the 2024 Allstate Sugar Bowl, where Texas fell to Washington in the final moments. Down 37-31 with just 41 seconds left, Ewers drove the Longhorns 69 yards to the Washington 15-yard line, only to see his last-ditch pass for Adonai Mitchell swatted away by Elijah Jackson. Tears flowed freely that night as Ewers faced the media with red-rimmed eyes, burdened by the weight of the loss.
“I probably didn’t sleep for two days after that game,” Ewers admitted, still haunted by being just inches from a national title shot.
A Pivotal Decision
Nine days after that crushing defeat, Ewers made a game-changing announcement: he would return for another year at Texas. Many assumed he’d declare for the draft, paving the way for freshman phenom Arch Manning to take the reins. But Ewers’ competitive fire wouldn’t let him walk away.
“That loss solidified my decision to come back,” Ewers said, brushing off whispers that Manning would eventually replace him. The relationship between the two quarterbacks, as well as coach Steve Sarkisian’s unwavering faith in Ewers, has been a cornerstone of the team’s resilience.
Ewers’ Redemption Arc
This season has truly been Ewers’ team. Despite battling injuries and criticism, his leadership has never wavered. The stats back it up:
- Third in Texas history in career passing yards and touchdowns.
- 26 consecutive games with a touchdown pass, second only to Longhorn legend Colt McCoy.
- A career record of 27-8 as a starter.
Ewers’ knack for delivering in clutch moments shone brightly in the Peach Bowl. After an interception late in the fourth quarter allowed Arizona State to tie the game, Ewers regrouped. He went 8-of-10 for 105 yards on two critical drives, putting Texas in field goal range twice—though both attempts were missed.
Then came overtime. Facing a do-or-die fourth-and-13, Ewers read the defense, adjusted protection, and fired a laser to Matthew Golden for the game-saving touchdown. “Quinn’s got a clutch gene,” said Texas edge player Ethan Burke. “He came through when we needed him most.”
In the second overtime, Ewers delivered again, connecting with tight end Gunnar Helm on a play Texas had perfected in practice. “Even if he wasn’t one-on-one, I was going to give Gunnar a shot,” Ewers explained, grinning at the memory.
Praise From Teammates and Coaches
The locker room is rallying behind Ewers as the Longhorns gear up for a semifinal clash with Ohio State—his former school. Jahdae Barron, who won Defensive MVP honors in the Peach Bowl, paused mid-interview to praise his quarterback. “Big shoutout to Quinn,” he said. “He doesn’t get the love he deserves, but we’ve got his back.”
Sarkisian echoed the sentiment: “The obsession with getting back to this stage has fueled us through so much adversity. It’s a testament to their grit.”
Eyes on the Prize
With two more wins standing between Texas and the national championship, Ewers is laser-focused. The sting of the Sugar Bowl still lingers, but the resolve to write a different ending burns brighter than ever.
“It’s about finishing what we started,” Ewers said, his voice firm with purpose. “We’re not done yet.”
