Steve Sarkisian addresses Texas quarterback room, possibility of offseason competition

Texas‘ season might have been quite different if not for some injuries that impacted the quarterback room early on. But because of those injuries, coach Steve Sarkisian might have an interesting offseason competition.

That is, if everyone decides to stick around.

Quinn Ewers started the season as the team’s top guy but was injured in a near-upset of Alabama. Backup Hudson Card took over in that contest and nearly helped the Longhorns pull it off, if not for a late defensive collapse in the final two minutes.

Both have proven quite capable.

“Like every year we’ll go into the offseason and wipe the slate clean and let these guys compete and battle and see what it looks like, because that’s what makes us better,” Sarkisian said Monday. “Ultimately when other guys are working at their craft, that should motivate us to want to continue to improve our game.

“And that would be no different than any other position. We have to give everybody those opportunities or we’re not living up to the idea that we’re a developmental program. If you don’t give guys the opportunity to develop and then show what they’re capable of, then I’m speaking out of both sides of my mouth, and that’s not right.”

But will things play out that way?

Especially with five-star prospect and No. 1 overall recruit in 2023 Arch Manning set to join the mix?

Texas quarterback room will be fascinating this offseason

Given the proliferation of the transfer portal as a way of college programs shoring up needs, it’s reasonable to wonder if there might not be some offseason attrition for Texas at quarterback. Should one of the quarterbacks who started this season want an opportunity elsewhere there will certainly be interested parties.

If there’s no departure, though, the Longhorns could have one of the most capable units in the country.

“I think it’s a fair question,” Sarkisian said. “I think competition’s healthy, for all of us. I think to anoint anybody for the future, that probably wouldn’t be fair to the other guys in that room. Quinn’s made some really good strides. I know there’s opportunities he’d probably love to have back throughout the year.

“I think Hudson has really improved and I thought he was really invaluable for us early in the season when we needed him. I think Maalik Murphy is another guy who’s got a bunch of upside who I’ve seen development in him.”

This season Ewers has gone 129-of-233 passing for 1,614 yards and 14 touchdowns, while throwing six interceptions. Card, meanwhile, has gone 75-of-108 for 928 yards and six touchdowns, against just one interception.

Sarkisian is going to keep the conversations going into the offseason quite above board.

“I always try to be up front and honest with our guys,” he said. “Competition’s at the forefront of our program, to go along with the development. So that position’s no different than any other one.”