The Steve Sarkisian recruiting train is full steam ahead.
Texas just gained a crucial commitment that has the potential to resurrect a program that has been stagnant for a decade.
Just a day after landing a massive commitment from five-star offensive lineman Kelvin Banks, former five-star quarterback Quinn Ewers joined the party and announced his commitment to the University of Texas on Sunday.
After receiving a perfect prospect grade as a member of the 2022 recruiting class and the title of the nation’s No. 1 overall prospect, Ewers chose to reclassify and head to Ohio State one year early in order to take advantage of NIL deals.
After a year of development in Columbus, Ewers is now a Longhorn.
LOYAL TO THE SOIL —
5-star QB, Ohio State transfer Quinn Ewers (Southlake Carrol/TX) commits to Texas. STORY: https://t.co/cPYeztTdtL (FREE) #HookEm @On3Recruits pic.twitter.com/NhrKQNEMq0
— Justin Wells (@justinwells2424) December 13, 2021
This is a program-changing recruiting win for Sarkisian, who led Texas to a dreadful 5-7 record in his first season with a roster of players that was plagued by depth issues, thanks to an extreme amount of attrition from the 2018 and 2019 classes.
Ewers is the hottest commodity among all transfers regardless of position, as he is the highest rated player in the portal. He was viewed as a generational talent during his time at Southlake Carroll High School.
His high school career is likely one of the best ever in terms of statistics, and would have only been better had he played his senior year.
Ewers put up video game type numbers where he threw for 6,445 yards, 73 touchdowns to just eight interceptions, and also rushed for 12 touchdowns. He led Southlake Carroll to a state championship appearance his junior season, but ultimately fell short to Westlake at the time.
He was also named the MaxPreps National Sophomore of the Year, Texas District 5-6A Overall MVP, and Fort Worth Star-Telegram Male Athlete of the Year during his sophomore season.
His electrifying gunslinger performances had him as one of the most coveted recruits, while also garnering the highest ranking possible as a recruit, a feat that only five other players and just one other quarterback has ever obtained (Vince Young).
Ewers shocked the nation when he decided to enroll at Ohio State early, and while it seemed like a questionable move at the time due to the fact the Buckeyes had a crowded quarterback room, he did make a nice chunk of change in NIL deals.
He was once a Texas commit prior to his time at Ohio State, but he decommitted from the Longhorns during the Tom Herman era, and by the time Steve Sarkisian arrived in Austin, it was a little too late.
The program had to settle for Casey Thompson and Hudson Card, who at the time both seemed like viable options, but greatly struggled throughout the season.
When Ewers’ name was entered into the portal, Sarkisian and company knew they could not swing and miss twice on what could end being one of the best college quarterbacks of all time.
Now with Ewers on board, the hype around the program has likely never been higher. Texas has been trying to be “back” for what feels like an eternity, and while they aren’t there yet, they have never had such an impactful move.
Ewers’ commitment can set Texas on track for years to come.