Quinn had 17 turnovers his last year on campus. Colt had a down Soph year. There is a difference there. Colt became a Heisman candidate. That is how development is supposed to work. Ewers had no running game? People like to talk about how Quinn went 2-0 vs A&M and OU. Texas ran for 417 yards in those games. Only 2 teams in SEC play ran for a higher average per rushing attempt than Texas this year (Bama and Auburn). Auburn Qbs ran for over 300 yards and Bama went for >750 yards, compared to 18 for Texas (Manning 108 and Quinn -82). There is the difference. That brings me to things that Sam and Colt did for the team that Quinn could not. Elhinger rushed for 1,903 yards in his career with 33 tds and 3 fumbles. Colt ran for 1571 and 20 TDs (couldnt find fumbles). Quinn finished his career with -59 yards with 8 TDs, and 7 fumbles.
Your argument hinges on team accomplishments. Last year Texas set a record for draft picks. That record might be broken this year. Those were arguably the most talented teams Texas has fielded in the modern era. The draft picks are evidence of that.
FEI ratings for Offense and defense:
Quinn:
2024: OFEI 18, DFEI 3
2023: OFEI 19, DFEI 6
2022: OFEI 17, DFEI 8
Elhinger:
2020: 17, DFEI 37
2019: 8, DFEI 42
2018: 17, DFEI 29
Colt:
2009: OFEI 17, DFEI 6
2008: OFEI 2, DFEI 4
2007: OFEI 19, DFEI 42
You notice anything there? Quinn never played with a defense that was outside the top 10. He is the only Qb on the list that can say that. He is also the only QB not to have a top 10 offense. When you are comparing QBs, you should look at how those players compared to their contemporaries. Why are Colt and VY considered well above Sam and Quinn? Because they were Heisman finalists, All-Americans, and 1st team All-Conference players. VY was the best QB in his time. You could certainly argue Colt was the best or damn close. Quinn and Sam were never All-Americans, never Heisman finalists, and never 1st team All-Conference. I view Quinn and Sam as pretty comparable college players. Both were good QBs but never considered one of the best QBs in the nation. The difference in team success can be seen on the defensive side of their teams. That is not hate, it is just being honest about the product on the field.