Steve Sarkisian revealed his starting quarterback for Saturday’s Red River Rivalry matchup between Texas and Oklahoma.
Following a superb start to the 2024 season, Quinn Ewers injured his oblique during a Week 3 win over UTSA. The Longhorns haven’t missed a beat behind Arch Manning, who has kept their undefeated record intact with big wins over Louisiana Monroe and Mississippi State. However, Sarkisian has insisted there’s no quarterback controversy once Ewers is healthy.
Sarkisian stayed true to his word. Per multiple reports, he announced during Thursday’s Zoom press conference that Ewers will start against the Sooners.
Before his injury, Ewers completed 58 of 79 passes for 691 yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions. The junior placed himself in the Heisman discussion by leading Texas to an emphatic victory at Michigan.
In his absence, Manning has amassed eight passing touchdowns and two rushing scores in three games while averaging 11.2 yards per attempt. Despite the sophomore’s success, Sarkisian was ready to hand the offense back to this original QB1.
“We need Quinn back ’cause he’s our quarterback and he’s our leader,” Sarkisian said after their 35-13 win over the Bulldogs. “I think that impacts the entire team and belief. But I think what we learned, and what Arch earned here over the last two and a half games, is this team can count on him too.”
Texas holds the nation’s No. 1 ranking entering this weekend’s rivalry showdown against Oklahoma, who improved to 4-1 with a win at Auburn. Ewers will want to redeem last year’s 34-30 loss to the Sooners in which he threw two picks.
Saturday’s game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
Related: Texas QB Quinn Ewers Reportedly Has Return Date Set