It has been a long wait for quarterback Casey Thompson, but his chance to be the starting quarterback for Texas has finally come to fruition.
After being the backup to Sam Ehlinger for three years, and entering the transfer portal one of those years, Thompson had his best chance to win the starting job this season.
He was viewed as the favorite to win the job after his solid Alamo Bowl performance, where he threw four touchdowns in the second half in relief of the injured Ehlinger.
New head coach Steve Sarkisian did not go with Thompson to start the season, after picking redshirt freshman Hudson Card to lead Texas in their first two games. Card played well Week 1, and Thompson was still able get some time, as Sarkisian put him in at the end of the third quarter to finish out the game. Week 2 is where Thompson shined, due to the immense struggles of the Texas offense led by Card.
With Texas down 33-7, Sarkisian decided to put Thompson in to see if he could get anything going, and did he ever. Thompson led Texas down the field twice, and rushed in two touchdowns to make the loss less embarrassing.
The thing that stood out though, and is likely one of the main factors that Thompson got the job, is he has been more decisive when he has played. It was apparent when Texas played Arkansas, as Card was visibly rattled by the constant pressure the offensive line was giving up, whereas Thompson seemed to have a better pocket presence and would run when needed.
Sarkisian announced on Monday of this week that Thompson will get the start when Texas plays Rice on Sept. 18. Thompson spoke to the media on Tuesday for the first time in his collegiate career as the starter.