The expectations surrounding Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger are sky high.
Ehlinger has been one of the best quarterbacks in program history for the Longhorns, quietly surpassing several of Vince Young’s records in the process. He showcased one of the best individual seasons in school history in 2019, accounting for 4,326 yards of total offense and 39 total touchdowns.
His leadership ability is off the charts. His physical style of play is unmatched. The competitive, relentless spirit he possesses is rare. He shows up in big moments against nationally-ranked competition.
Yet he still feels underappreciated nationally.
The hype surrounding Ehlinger is undoubtedly high as he enters his senior season with the Longhorns. He was named the top returning player in the Big 12, and he’s realistically in position to become a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2020.
According to 247Sports, Ehlinger is projected to be one of the best quarterbacks in college football for the upcoming season. The list of the top 25 signal callers in the nation features four quarterbacks from the Big 12.
Ehlinger landed in the No. 3 spot, just behind Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence and Ohio State’s Justin Fields. New offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich was part of the reason Ehlinger landed high on the list.
“He’ll back back for his final season in 2020 with one last opportunity to get Texas back to the forefront as a national title contender. Ehlinger’s best has come in spotlight opportunities against nationally-ranked competition, the mark of a true competitor. The guy has accounted for 80 touchdowns over his last 27 games, the second-most in college football during that stretch (Joe Burrow, 88). New Texas OC Mike Yurcich said earlier this spring one of the reasons he took the job with the Longhorns was the opportunity to coach Ehlinger. That new combo should be terrific.”
View the full list of top 25 quarterbacks below.
25. Myles Brennan, LSU
24. Adrian Martinez, Nebraska
23. Dillon Gabriel, UCF
22. Michael Penix Jr., Indiana
21. Charlie Brewer, Baylor
20. Mac Jones, Alabama
19. Davis Mills, Stanford
18. Jamie Newman, Georgia
17. Kellen Mond, Texas A&M
16. Brady White, Memphis
15. Spencer Sanders, Oklahoma State
14. KJ Costello, Mississippi State
13. Kyle Trask, Florida
12. Spencer Rattler, Oklahoma
11. D’Eriq King, Miami
10. Shane Buechele, SMU
9. Brock Purdy, Iowa State
8. Ian Book, Notre Dame
7. Tanner Morgan, Minnesota
6. Kedon Slovis, USC
5. Jayden Daniels, Arizona State
4. Sam Howell, North Carolina
3. Sam Ehlinger, Texas
2. Trevor Lawrence, Clemson
1.Justin Fields, Ohio State