Heisman Trophy watch 2023: Top 5 candidates heading into Week 3

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Sep 9, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) scrambles up the field against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

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).

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