With a torn oblique, Quinn Ewers played the majority of the Texas Longhorns’ season.

The 2024 college football season for the Texas Longhorns was filled with highs and lows, but one of the most remarkable storylines was the performance of quarterback Quinn Ewers. Despite playing most of the season with a torn oblique, a painful and debilitating injury, Ewers managed to lead Texas through one of its most successful seasons in recent memory. His grit, resilience, and determination to push through a serious injury not only earned him the respect of his teammates, coaches, and fans, but also cemented his place as one of the most promising quarterbacks in college football.

For any player, but especially a quarterback, a torn oblique is a significant challenge. The oblique muscles are crucial for a quarterback’s throwing motion, rotation, and overall ability to drive the football downfield. A torn oblique can severely limit a player’s mobility, arm strength, and accuracy—especially for a quarterback whose entire game relies on those factors. Ewers, however, showed throughout the season that his will to win and his leadership were just as strong as his physical ability, and he found a way to play through the pain and continue to perform at a high level.

Quinn Ewers: Background and Early Struggles

Before diving deeper into the specifics of Ewers’ 2024 season, it’s important to reflect on his journey leading up to that point. Quinn Ewers came to the Texas Longhorns as a highly touted recruit, regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2022 class. He was a five-star prospect with all the tools necessary to succeed at the collegiate level: a powerful arm, mobility in the pocket, and the mental toughness to handle the pressure of leading a major program.

However, Ewers’ early career at Texas was not without its bumps. After redshirting his freshman season in 2022, Ewers entered the 2023 season as the starting quarterback. He showed flashes of brilliance but also faced some inconsistencies in his play, which is not uncommon for a young quarterback. The Longhorns still managed to have a solid season, but there was clearly a sense that Ewers had not yet fully reached his potential.

In 2024, Ewers returned for his junior season, fully expected to be one of the top quarterbacks in the country and a potential Heisman candidate. Texas fans, alumni, and coaches all hoped that this would be the season where Ewers would truly shine and lead the team back to national prominence. But just as things started to look promising, Ewers suffered the devastating injury that would define much of his season.

The Injury: Torn Oblique

A torn oblique is a serious injury for any athlete, but it is especially concerning for a quarterback. The oblique muscles are responsible for rotation and torso movement, and for a quarterback, they play an essential role in the throwing motion. The oblique connects the ribs to the pelvis, and a tear or strain can cause significant pain and limit movement. In Ewers’ case, he sustained the injury during a late September game, which was devastating both for him personally and for the Longhorns’ season as a whole.

At the time of the injury, many wondered if Ewers would be able to continue playing for the remainder of the season. Initially, it was expected that he might miss several weeks, given the nature of the injury and how critical it was to his performance. However, Ewers, known for his toughness and determination, opted to play through the injury, a decision that would have a profound impact on the Longhorns’ season.

Playing through a torn oblique meant that Ewers would have to make several adjustments to his game. His throwing velocity was impacted, and his ability to generate the proper torque on passes became limited. Furthermore, his mobility in the pocket—one of his strengths—was hindered, making it harder for him to extend plays and evade pressure from opposing defenses. Yet, despite these challenges, Ewers found ways to excel and make crucial plays for his team.

Ewers’ Toughness and Leadership

What separated Ewers from many other quarterbacks in college football was not only his physical ability but his mental fortitude. The pain from a torn oblique can be excruciating, especially for a player who is required to make repetitive throwing motions throughout the game. Ewers, however, demonstrated an immense level of resilience, refusing to let the injury hold him back. He continued to play through the pain, even if it meant sacrificing his personal comfort and well-being.

One of the defining moments of Ewers’ leadership came during a mid-season game against Oklahoma State. Despite clearly struggling with the injury, Ewers still managed to make crucial throws in key situations. His ability to remain calm under pressure and lead his team was evident, and it was this leadership that ultimately helped Texas secure a hard-fought win. Ewers didn’t just play through the injury; he embraced the challenge, showing his teammates that no matter the circumstances, they could still rely on him to perform when it mattered most.

Ewers’ leadership wasn’t just about his play on the field; it was also about his presence in the locker room. His willingness to push through an injury that would sideline most quarterbacks spoke volumes about his character. His teammates respected his toughness, and it motivated them to give their best effort as well. There’s no question that Ewers’ resilience had a ripple effect on the entire team, with many players stepping up their performances to match his resolve.

Statistical Performance and Impact

Despite playing the majority of the season with a torn oblique, Ewers still put up impressive numbers. His statistics weren’t as gaudy as some of the top quarterbacks in the country, but his ability to manage the offense effectively was still on display. In 2024, Ewers threw for 2,800 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. He was still able to make all the necessary throws, but his injury did limit his ability to go deep with the ball consistently, and he had to rely more on short to intermediate passes.

What was most impressive, though, was his ability to perform in clutch moments. Throughout the season, Ewers was able to make key throws when his team needed it most. In several of Texas’ biggest games, including a dramatic victory over Baylor late in the season, Ewers’ poise and decision-making were critical in securing the win. Though his arm strength was affected by the injury, his accuracy and football intelligence remained sharp. He showed that even with limited mobility and power, he could still be an effective and dangerous quarterback.

In terms of overall impact, Ewers’ performance was crucial for Texas’ success. The Longhorns finished the regular season with a 10-2 record, which was enough to earn a New Year’s Six bowl berth. Ewers’ ability to lead the team, despite playing through a serious injury, allowed Texas to stay in contention for a Big 12 championship and helped the program build momentum for the future.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for Quinn Ewers?

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Ewers will have the opportunity to fully recover from his torn oblique. While the injury was a setback, it also served as a testament to his toughness and leadership, qualities that will continue to serve him well in the future. If he can regain full health and continue to develop as a quarterback, there’s no reason to believe he won’t be one of the top quarterbacks in college football.

For Texas, the future with Quinn Ewers looks bright. He will return for his senior season in 2025 with a newfound sense of confidence and a better understanding of his ability to play through adversity. The Longhorns are expected to have one of the top rosters in the nation, and with Ewers at the helm, they will be a contender for both the Big 12 title and the College Football Playoff.

In the eyes of NFL scouts, Ewers’ decision to play through the injury will be seen as a positive, as it demonstrates his toughness and mental fortitude. Although his 2024 season may have been affected by the injury, scouts will undoubtedly take note of his ability to manage the game, his leadership skills, and his resilience. If he can fully recover in time for the 2025 draft process, Ewers’ stock could rise once again.

A Testament to Grit and Determination

Quinn Ewers’ 2024 season was a true testament to his resilience, grit, and leadership. Playing through a torn oblique was no small feat, yet Ewers managed to perform at a high level and lead the Texas Longhorns to one of their best seasons in recent memory. His toughness earned him respect across college football, and his performance despite the injury made him a more complete quarterback in the eyes of fans, coaches, and NFL scouts alike.

While the 2024 season may have been a challenge, it also set the stage for an even brighter future. As Ewers enters his senior season with the Longhorns, there’s a sense that he has the potential to not only recover but thrive. He has already proven that he can overcome adversity, and with a full offseason to heal and improve, Ewers will be ready to take his game to the next level in 2025. For Texas, Quinn Ewers represents both the present and the future—a quarterback who, despite the odds, will always find a way to lead his team to victory.