Texas QB Quinn Ewers setting high bar in 2024

The Longhorns earned their first College Football Playoff berth last season. In 2024, expectations are high for Texas, and quarterback Quinn Ewers isn't shying away from them.

"We just need to be where our feet are and not look ahead each week," Ewers told Ryan Morik of Fox News Digital. "At the end of the week, we have set goals. We want to play that last game of the year."

Texas went 12-2 last season but lost to Washington 37-31 in the CFP Semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl. In July , the program moved from the Big 12 to the Southeastern Conference. The Longhorns should face much better competition in the SEC, but Ewers indicated the team is okay with it.

"We want to play in the SEC Championship Game, but there are so many things we need to do," Ewers said. "Right now, just focus on ourselves and the opinions inside of our four walls. Build the strong bond we have. Continue to work towards that strong brotherhood so we can play our best games. Everyone wants to go undefeated, and if you don't want to go undefeated, you're probably playing the wrong sport."

Texas has a solid chance to vie for an SEC title this season. As of Wednesday, FanDuel Sportsbook gives the Longhorns the second-best odds (+370) to win the conference behind Georgia.

Although Texas wide receivers Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell left for the NFL this offseason, Ewers should still build off an impressive sophomore campaign. In 12 games, he posted the FBS' 17th-best QBR (78.3) , completing 70.7% of his passes for 3,479 yards, 22 touchdowns and six interceptions.

If Ewers carries the Longhorns to their first national championship in 19 years, that should raise his draft stock. ESPN's Field Yates rates Ewers as his No. 19 prospect in his preseason top 25 2025 NFL Draft rankings.

The Longhorns are entering a pivotal season and must deliver. Ewers and company aim for a fast start in their Saturday season opener against Colorado State.