For the first time in four years, somebody not named Sam Ehlinger is going to be the starting quarterback for Texas. The two candidates, Hudson Card and Casey Thompson, have been in a battle ever since Steve Sarkisian was hired in January.
Fifteen spring practices, the Orange and White Game, and over two weeks’ worth of fall camp seemingly resulted in no separation between the two. Sarkisian has played his hand closely, continuously stating the competition was 50/50.
Even if the head coach knew who the starting quarterback was going to be, it seems as if the media would not be the first to know.
“If I can put my head down on the pillow tonight and know who that starter is, that’s great,” Sarkisian said. “That doesn’t mean I have to tell you guys and announce it. But I may know. That would be ideal.”
In Sarkisian’s ideal world, he never lets anybody outside of the locker room know who the starter is. Whoever wins the job would just trot out against Louisiana on Sept. 4.
Thankfully for the rest of us, the cat may be out of the bag.
According to Chip Brown of Horns247, “key indicators point to Hudson Card being named the starting quarterback for Texas.” When or how the official announcement will be made, or if it will be, is still unknown.
Key indicators pointing to Hudson Card being named starting QB for #Texas. @ChipBrown247 with the latest VIP scoop. https://t.co/bJ0OWmDNq4 pic.twitter.com/FR6ZjxK9LL
— Horns247 (@Horns247) August 25, 2021
For Card, he would become another Austin native to be the Longhorns’ starting QB. Coming out of Lake Travis High School this time, the quarterback factory will finally produce for the flagship.
Texas’ problem now focuses back on Card’s supporting cast. Outside of Bijan Robinson at running back, there will be concerns.
Wide receiver is going to be an issue heading into the season, with no true leader. Freshman Xavier Worthy is everybody’s favorite breakout candidate but has never taken a college snap.
Joshua Moore returns as the team’s leading receiver, while Jordan Whittington is expected to take the next step up. Whether or not Troy Omeire is 100% healthy will not be known until the season opener in 10 days.
Thompson has a few options at his disposal — staying and working as the backup or transferring.
Sitting behind Card would still let the redshirt sophomore learn under Sarkisian for a full season. Plus, injuries are still a real thing. There is no promise Card will make it through a 12 game season without some kind of knock. Thompson’s time could come in a critical moment.
Transferring with the season so close would not be beneficial either. Being the backup at his destination would be inevitable. Hitting the portal after the season will open doors for the talented quarterback.
