Texas Longhorn QB Quinn Ewers Named to Davey O’Brien Postseason Great 8 List: A Career Milestone and What It Means for His Future
When Quinn Ewers, quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, was recently named to the prestigious Davey O’Brien Postseason Great 8 List, it was a moment of recognition not just for Ewers himself but for the entire Longhorns football program. The Davey O’Brien Award is given annually to the nation’s best college quarterback, and making the Great 8 list is a significant milestone that highlights Ewers’ stellar performance in the 2024 season.
For a player like Ewers, who has faced immense pressure and high expectations since transferring to Texas, this recognition signals his arrival as one of the elite quarterbacks in college football. The Great 8 List is a nod to the best of the best in the country, and Quinn Ewers’ inclusion affirms his position among the upper echelon of quarterbacks at the collegiate level.
In this article, we will break down the significance of this achievement, what it means for Quinn Ewers’ career, and how this recognition could shape the future of both Ewers and the Texas Longhorns football program.
Quinn Ewers’ Journey to the Great 8 List
Quinn Ewers’ journey to college football fame has been anything but typical. The Texas native and former five-star recruit initially made waves in high school, where he became one of the most hyped quarterbacks in recent memory. Ewers’ high school career was defined by his ability to make every throw with ease, his incredible arm strength, and his football IQ that surpassed many of his peers. With offers from nearly every major program in the country, it came as no surprise when he chose to play for the University of Texas.
However, Ewers’ path to the Davey O’Brien Great 8 List was not without its obstacles. He started his college career at Ohio State before transferring to Texas, where he hoped to live up to the legacy of legendary quarterbacks like Vince Young and Colt McCoy. After a rocky start, including dealing with injuries and finding his rhythm in the Longhorns’ offense, Ewers began to flourish under head coach Steve Sarkisian.
Ewers’ potential was always undeniable, but it was his ability to harness that potential and develop into a leader for the Longhorns that ultimately set him apart. His progression as a quarterback has been marked by his increased consistency, improved decision-making, and confidence in the pocket. By the end of the 2024 regular season, Ewers had transformed into a bona fide star, earning a spot among the top quarterbacks in the country and securing his place on the Davey O’Brien Postseason Great 8 List.
What is the Davey O’Brien Award and the Great 8 List?
The Davey O’Brien Award is one of the most prestigious individual honors a quarterback can receive in college football. Named after the legendary TCU quarterback who led his team to a national championship in 1938, the award has been presented annually since 1981 to the nation’s best quarterback. Past winners of the Davey O’Brien Award include some of college football’s most recognizable names, such as Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, Joe Burrow, and Trevor Lawrence.
The Great 8 List is a recognition given to the eight quarterbacks who are considered the best in college football following the regular season. These quarterbacks represent the upper echelon of talent at the position, and earning a spot on this list is a testament to their skill, leadership, and impact on their respective teams. The Great 8 List is determined through a combination of player performance, statistical achievements, and team success, with the finalists ultimately vying for the Davey O’Brien Award itself.
For Ewers, making the Great 8 List is a major achievement in itself. While the final winner of the Davey O’Brien Award may still be up for grabs, being named to the list of elite quarterbacks confirms that Ewers has had a remarkable season and is deserving of national recognition.
The 2024 Season: Ewers’ Breakout Campaign
The 2024 season was a turning point for Quinn Ewers, marking the year he truly emerged as one of the best quarterbacks in the country. After a season of learning the ropes in 2023, Ewers showed significant improvement in his second year as the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns. The transition under head coach Steve Sarkisian’s offensive system started to pay off, as Ewers took command of the offense and demonstrated maturity, precision, and poise on the field.
Ewers’ statistical achievements in 2024 were impressive, to say the least. Throughout the regular season, he consistently posted solid numbers, including impressive passing yards, touchdowns, and a low interception rate. He was efficient with the football and showed the ability to make throws at all levels of the field, from short, quick passes to deep bombs that showcased his impressive arm strength. The Longhorns’ offense began to revolve around him, and his connection with top receivers became a key part of the team’s success.
In addition to his passing prowess, Ewers also showed improved decision-making under pressure. Gone were the mistakes and inconsistencies that marred his early career. Ewers began to read defenses more effectively, making the right choices with the football. His growth as a leader was palpable, as he took on a larger role in rallying his teammates and becoming the face of the Longhorns’ offense.
One of the defining moments of Ewers’ 2024 season came during Texas’ marquee matchups against some of the toughest teams in the Big 12 and beyond. He stepped up in crucial games, leading the Longhorns to signature victories and putting together several game-winning drives. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations cemented his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the country.
The Significance of Being Named to the Great 8 List
Being named to the Davey O’Brien Postseason Great 8 List is a huge achievement in itself, but it carries even more significance for a player like Quinn Ewers. For one, it places him in elite company, alongside some of the best quarterbacks in the country. Ewers’ inclusion on the list affirms the hard work he has put in over the past few seasons and validates the belief that he is capable of competing at the highest level of college football.
This recognition also highlights the growth and progress of the Texas Longhorns football program. After years of rebuilding under Steve Sarkisian, Ewers’ emergence as a star quarterback is a sign that the Longhorns are back on the national stage. For a program that has had its ups and downs in recent years, having a quarterback who can compete for the Davey O’Brien Award and be recognized as one of the best in the country is a testament to Sarkisian’s vision for the program’s future.
For Quinn Ewers, making the Great 8 List is a personal accomplishment that will only add to his confidence and momentum heading into the future. Whether or not he ultimately wins the Davey O’Brien Award, being named one of the top quarterbacks in the country raises his profile and solidifies his position as one of the most promising quarterbacks in college football.
What Does This Mean for Ewers’ Future?
Being named to the Great 8 List is not only an acknowledgment of Quinn Ewers’ success in the 2024 season but also a reflection of his potential moving forward. The recognition puts him squarely in the conversation for future awards, accolades, and opportunities, both in college football and beyond.
As a highly touted prospect who was already regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft class, Ewers’ inclusion in the Great 8 List further enhances his draft stock. NFL scouts and general managers will take note of his impressive performance in 2024, and his chances of being a top pick in the upcoming draft will only improve as he continues to develop. His arm strength, mobility, and football intelligence have long been his calling cards, and the 2024 season only helped solidify his reputation as an elite quarterback prospect.
Moreover, Ewers’ recognition can also act as a springboard for him to build upon in 2025. With another year under his belt as a starting quarterback for Texas, he has the opportunity to further refine his skills and possibly take Texas to new heights. If he can maintain or even elevate his level of play in the coming season, the Longhorns could find themselves in playoff contention, with Ewers leading the charge.
What This Means for Texas Longhorns Football
For Texas, having Quinn Ewers named to the Davey O’Brien Postseason Great 8 List is a significant win. It reinforces the notion that the Longhorns are not just back to being competitive—they are in the conversation for national championships. With a leader like Ewers under center, Texas has a legitimate chance of competing for a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP) in the near future.
Ewers’ recognition also speaks to the effectiveness of Steve Sarkisian’s system at Texas. Sarkisian has been praised for his ability to develop quarterbacks, and the success of Ewers in 2024 is a direct reflection of the growth and development of the Longhorns under his leadership. If Ewers continues to thrive in the system, Texas could become a powerhouse in the Big 12 and, eventually, in the SEC when they transition to that conference.
Finally, the achievement serves as a recruiting tool for Texas. Quarterbacks like Ewers are often magnets for top talent, and his recognition as one of the nation’s best could attract other highly regarded recruits to the program. If Texas can continue to surround Ewers with elite talent, the future of Longhorns football looks incredibly bright.