Quinn Ewers Heisman odds (UPDATED): Texas QB back in the race for coveted honor after week 7 domination

Texas Longhorns' starting quarterback Quinn Ewers has been sidelined for three weeks due to an oblique injury. During his absence, backup quarterback Arch Manning stepped up admirably, leading the Longhorns to the top of the college football rankings.

Ewers returned to action in the heated Red River Rivalry game against the No. 18 Oklahoma Sooners. Although he started the game by throwing an interception, he quickly found his rhythm, completing 20-of-29 passes for 199 yards resulting in one touchdown and a rushing touchdown.

Ewers began the season as one of the favorites for the coveted Heisman Trophy, being one of the highest-rated returning quarterbacks. However, his injury set him back, and he now sits at No. 8 (+2,000) on the favorites list, which is topped by Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty.

Before the season began, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian revealed his thoughts on Quinn Ewers potentially winning the Heisman Trophy.

“Quinn is probably like the coolest guy in the room. He doesn’t get caught up in that stuff,” Sarkisian said about the trophy back in July (per The Daily Texan). “He’s more focused on winning a championship and being the best player he can be.”

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Quinn Ewers leads Texas to comfortable Red River rivalry win

Although Quinn Ewers' performance against Red River rivals, the Oklahoma Sooners, wasn't his best of the season, the Texas Longhorns quarterback could be forgiven for his performance after three weeks of inactivity, especially since his team won (34-3) comfortably.

During his postgame news conference, Ewers demonstrated the high standards that were expected of him through his comments.

"Overall, I think I need to play better," Ewers said. "But I think we did a good job overcoming some adversity early. It was a rough start, but I think overall we did a good job of when adversity struck, we overcame it."

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian also assured Ewers of his place as a starter during his weekly news conference after Arch Manning's stunning form during his injury led to calls for a change in QB1.

"When I was a starter, I never wanted the backup coming in, even for a play. I've got respect for the rhythm that a starting quarterback needs. So, no, that's not something I've ever entertained," Sarkisian said. "Arch wants to learn and grow, and he's done just that. From where he was a year and a half ago to now, it's a credit to his work ethic."

Quinn Ewers led the Texas Longhorns to the Big 12 championship and a college football playoff semifinal appearance last season. A similar run this season, combined with impressive numbers, could land him on the Heisman finalists list.