Texas Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2018

Quarterback

1. Sam Ehlinger

The quarterback competition falling between rising sophomore Sam Ehlinger and rising junior Shane Buechele will determine a lot of the success that the Horns can find in 2018. A likely favorite to take the job is Ehlinger following a nice end to the 2017 campaign. That included a big effort in the postseason Texas Bowl victory over the Mizzou Tigers.

Ehlinger ousted the efforts of Buechele in that bowl game, in which both quarterbacks got some significant playing time. Moreover, the dual-threat ability of Ehlinger shined through in that bowl victory over star quarterback Drew Lock and Mizzou.

Overall, the turnover numbers have to drop off for Ehlinger while some improvement in his pocket presence comes through. The improvement coming from the offensive line matter a ton in the ability of Ehlinger to take control of the starting job.

2. Shane Buechele

The freshman campaign that Buechele had in 2016 gave some hope that he would be able to take a massive step forward in 2017. However, the combination of a new offensive system under Herman and offensive coordinator Tim Beck and some apparent injury concerns sidelined Buechele for much of the season.

He also had Ehlinger looking over his shoulder throughout the year. All those things combined for a drop in production from Buechele in somewhat of a sophomore slump. Yet, he still has the better arm between him and Ehlinger. And, that could eventually win him out the starting job if he does show some progress and Ehlinger takes a step back.