FanDuel Sportsbook lists Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and Georgia quarterback Carson Beck matched as the way-too-early favourites to win the Heisman Trophy in 2024. After returning to the Longhorns for his junior year, Ewers decided not to join the 2024 NFL Draft, solidifying his position as one of the most seasoned quarterbacks in the big conference with three seasons of starting experience.

In the previous season, Ewers led the Longhorns to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance and assisted Texas in winning the Big 12 title in their last year as a conference member. Clint Brewster of 247Sports, a prospect evaluator, notes that although Ewers is a popular choice to win the Heisman Trophy in 2024 due to his great total production, his candidature may be derailed by uneven play.

“There’s nobody that’s been more of an advocate of Quinn Ewers than myself since he started college football,” Brewster stated. “His arm skill and bravery as a passer are impressive, but let’s be honest—he has occasionally disappointed us. This past season, Ewers shown his ability to defeat Alabama in Tuscaloosa and almost play a flawless game, but he also demonstrated how unstructured his game is and how careless his mechanics and processing are, even when against lesser opposition.”

In his two seasons with the Longhorns, Ewers has made 22 starts. His 37 career passing touchdowns are tied for seventh most in Texas history, and his 5,656 career passing yards rank eighth all-time. In 690 attempts, the former Ohio State transfer has completed 64.3% of quarterback passes with just 12 interceptions since moving to Austin prior to the 2022 campaign.

Only eight of Ewers’ games have seen him pass for at least 300 yards, and only one has seen him surpass 400 yards. Brewster also mentions Ewers’ possible risk of injury, as he has missed five games while at Texas.

“If Ewers can put together an entire season and perform like we know he can, then his ceiling is top pick in the draft and Heisman winner, but there’s plenty of reason to doubt that after what he’s put on film the last two seasons,” said Brewster.

In Texas football history, just two players have won the Heisman Trophy: Earl Campbell in 1977 and Ricky Williams in 1998.

The Longhorns move from the Big 12 to the SEC in 2024, where the level of competition rises week by week, and they start a new chapter in a new league. Luckily, FanDuel Sportsbook reports that Texas avoided five of the six other SEC schools with the highest predicted preseason win totals, drawing a somewhat favourable schedule.

The Longhorns’ non-conference matchup against the defending national champion Michigan is scheduled on September 7.

The Stampede: Texas football’s regional rivals’ recruiting outlook (VIP)

On August 31, Texas takes on Colorado State in the 2024 season opener.

Shedeur Sanders, Avery Johnson considered strong sleeper candidates for 2024 Heisman Trophy race

The predicted front-runners are favoured to win the Heisman Trophy in 2024, according to FanDuel Sportsbook’s much too early odds. But as spring practice draws near, two Big 12 quarterbacks who aren’t among the top-15 guys with the highest early chances might be good sleeper picks.

Colorado standout Shedeur Sanders gained attention early in the Buffaloes’ explosive first season under head coach Deion Sanders, but as Boulder victories become more elusive, his Heisman Trophy candidature encountered challenges. Colorado made adjustments to the offensive staff in an attempt to capitalise on Sanders’ quarterbacking prowess and once again used the transfer portal to its advantage to improve the calibre of players on the squad. Clint Brewster of 247Sports, a prospect evaluator, thinks Sanders might have a Heisman-caliber season in 2024 if those moves pay off.

“Shedeur could be the quarterback in college football I’m most sure of to have a great season,” Brewster stated. “Obviously, the key is whether they can run the football well and protect him, but if they succeed in both areas, I believe he can have a Heisman-caliber season. This is a result of his decision-making being so consistent. I’m not sure if there’s a better quarterback in college football in terms of passing ability. He has quick eyesight and a unique method of seeing coverage. Not to mention what he did last year when under duress and how he manages a dirty pocket. Although he’s not the most physically gifted quarterback, I believe that people get hung up on