Steve Sarkisian shares major update on Texas’ starting QB for Red River Rivalry game vs Oklahoma

Texas Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian shared positive news ahead of the Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma. He announced that star quarterback Quinn Ewers is on track to start for the No. 1 Longhorns on Saturday.

Ewers has been recovering from an abdominal injury but practiced with the first-team offense last week, a clear sign that he’s gearing up for the big game.

Sarkisian confirmed that Ewers participated in three practices last week and again on Monday.

"I thought he looked good coming off the bye," Sarkisian said [H/t ESPN]. "I think if anybody benefited from the time off, it was probably him. We're going to monitor him daily just to kind of see how he continues to progress, but I feel good about how he was [Monday].

"I feel good about him going into Saturday, but that remains to be seen."

Ewers, who was sidelined during Texas' win over UTSA, was temporarily replaced by Arch Manning, who led the team to victories in the last two games.

The highly anticipated matchup, part of the famous Red River Rivalry, will take place at 2:30 PM CT at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Texas remains unbeaten at 5-0, while Oklahoma comes in at 4-1.

Dallas mayor Eric L. Johnson declared “Red River Rivalry Week” in the city for Texas vs. Oklahoma

As the 120th Red River Rivalry approaches, excitement is building. Last year, Brent Venables’ Oklahoma Sooners edged out the Texas Longhorns in a thrilling 34-30 win. However, the Longhorns, led by Steve Sarkisian, still hold the edge in the overall series with a 63-51-5 record.

Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson, a Longhorns fan, declared it “Red River Rivalry Week” in the city. His proclamation sets the stage for Saturday’s showdown between the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma, played annually at the Cotton Bowl in Fair Park during the State Fair of Texas.

“The Red River Rivalry is one of my favorite annual Dallas sports events, and I’m thrilled we have the pleasure of hosting it once again at the historic Cotton Bowl in Fair Park during the State Fair of Texas,” Mayor Johnson said [H/t Texas Metro News].

“This proclamation invites Dallas residents and visitors alike to gear up for an exciting weekend at the fair with food, fun, and the greatest annual rivalry game in all of college football.”

While the Longhorns lead the series, last year’s close game shows just how competitive this matchup always is.