SAD NEWS: Texas Longhorns Veteran Quarterback Suspended for 3 Games Due to Team Rule Violation
Veteran quarterback Marcus Reynolds has been suspended for three games after violating team rules, head coach Steve Sarkisian announced Friday morning. The university has not released full details of the violation, but sources close to the program have confirmed that the infraction involved “conduct inconsistent with the values and expectations of the Texas football program.”
Reynolds, a fifth-year senior and returning starter, was expected to lead the Longhorns in what many hoped would be a College Football Playoff-contending season. With this suspension, Reynolds will miss key upcoming games against Baylor, Kansas State, and Oklahoma—matchups that could significantly impact Texas’ Big 12 title hopes. Coach Sarkisian addressed the media briefly, saying, “Marcus made a mistake in judgment. We’re disappointed, but we believe in accountability. He understands the consequences and has accepted responsibility.”
The suspension reportedly stems from an off-campus incident that occurred last weekend, involving a possible violation of the team’s personal conduct policy. While the university has declined to go into detail, insiders have speculated that the situation involved a late-night altercation at a private event, which drew the attention of campus security and team officials. Though no legal charges have been filed, the internal investigation led to swift disciplinary action.
Reynolds has issued a public apology through the university’s athletic department, stating, “I let my team down, and for that, I’m truly sorry. I take full responsibility for my actions and am committed to earning back the trust of my coaches, teammates, and the fans who support us.” His apology was met with mixed reactions from fans, many of whom have expressed both disappointment and support on social media.
In Reynolds’ absence, sophomore quarterback Dante Carter will take over starting duties. Carter has shown promise during spring practice and preseason action but lacks the experience of Reynolds. “Dante’s got a great arm, good mobility, and a high football IQ,” offensive coordinator Kyle Flood said. “He’s ready for the moment, but we’ll need everyone to step up.” The pressure is now on the entire team to rally behind the young signal-caller and stay competitive during a critical stretch of the season.
As for Reynolds, his future remains uncertain. While he is eligible to return for the Week 6 game against TCU, his path back to the starting lineup may depend on both his behavior off the field and Carter’s performance in his absence. The university has emphasized that Reynolds remains in good academic standing and will continue to practice with the team during the suspension. For now, Texas fans can only hope that this stumble becomes a lesson—not just for Reynolds—but for the entire program moving forward.