Ewers has been remarkably accurate in 2023, completing better than 70% of his throws overall and 74% of his attempts since Week 4.

He’s posted multi-touchdown performances in eight of 11 starts for a Texas team that’s enjoying its best season in at least 14 years.

Arch Manning and Maalik Murphy continue to wait in the wings for their opportunities, which at this point seems a good problem to have. Ewers is by far the most experienced of the three, and perhaps today the best player by a considerable margin. Texas was twice brought to the brink in his three partial or complete game absences (one-possession wins over Houston and Kansas State).

Ewers’ name may have been longer included in the Heisman conversation had he not gone down with an AC joint sprain in late October. He will likely be among the favorites to take home the honor should he indeed return for 2024. That’s particularly true if Texas can retain the majority of its ultra-capable assortment of running backs and pass-catchers.

Little offensive line turnover

Christian Jones is the lone senior on the Longhorns’ starting offensive line.

While Texas is ranked as the nation’s No. 4 pass-blocking unit according to Pro Football Focus, none of the linemen with remaining eligibility currently find themselves in the NFL draft mix.

That means the Longhorns’ front five has potential for a high retention rate looking ahead to 2024. Could Kelvin Banks Jr., Hayden Conner, Jake Majors and DJ Campbell all be back next year?

Ewers sure hopes so, given his success when kept clean in the pocket this season (20:6 TD:INT ratio with a 73.7% completion rate, per PFF).

Another loaded recruiting class

Texas has seldom in the 122-year history of its football program struggled to find top-end talent. That may be even more so true in the NIL era.

Coach Sarkisian and his staff have cleaned up on the recruiting front, securing top-five classes in 2022 and 2023, according to 247 Sports’ rankings.

The Longhorns’ 2024 class sits 10th in the nation and includes a trio of five-star prospects between receiver Ryan Wingo, linebacker Colin Simmons and offensive tackle Brandon Baker.

Texas has seen a number of its freshmen make an immediate impact this season, most notably CJ Baxter, Malik Muhammad and Anthony Hill Jr.