Heisman Trophy watch 2023: Top 5 candidates heading into Week 3
![Sep 9, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) passing against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports Sep 9, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) passing against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/ee1353add5a77473df5ab68858d224feb1e4d8c165ac6b1252c930cced35c53f.jpg)
It’s hard to believe that some people thought that Texas had a legitimate quarterback battle this offseason with five-star Arch Manning coming in to challenge 2022 starter Quinn Ewers.
Through two weeks, the notion of a quarterback battle in Austin is pure comedy.
While Manning might have an elite college career, he’s going to have to wait until Ewers moves on. The second-year starter for the Longhorns has earned that starting job and he looks like one of the best players in all of college football with a clear clutch gene.
Ewers had a solid first game against Rice, completing 19-of-30 passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns in a sleepy win, but his performance in Week 2 opened everyone’s eyes. I was a doubter before, but after he marched into Tuscaloosa and beat Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide, I am buying in. Ewers is legit.
Not only did he beat the No. 3 team in the country, he passed for 349 yards and three touchdowns while completing 24-of-38 passes.
The last time a young quarterback looked this good in a road win over Alabama was over a decade ago and he went on to win the Heisman (Johnny Manziel).