For Sam Ehlinger, being named Texas' starting quarterback for Saturday's opener against Maryland was less of an endorsement than a confirmation.
Confidence has always been an integral part of Ehlinger's game since arriving on campus in 2017 for spring practice. Coach Tom Herman bragged on his "alpha male" makeup. Even when his late-game turnovers cost Texas three potential wins last season, he never voiced self-doubt.
Now that Ehlinger has emerged from a competition with junior Shane Buechele, don't expect any changes in the mindset.
"I always play that way," Ehlinger said this week. "I play within myself and play the game with confidence.