What Lincoln Riley thinks of Sam Ehlinger

Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray are two Oklahoma greats who have expressed some dislike for Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger, but one prominent Sooner says he is a fan.

Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley showed some respect for Ehlinger when speaking at the Big 12 Media Days recently from Arlington.

“I think he’s a really good player,” Riley said. “I really do.”

The two have already met on the field for a few games of national importance.

Ehlinger accounted for two touchdowns in what was the first Red River Showdown for both himself and Riley in the 2017 season, a five point Oklahoma victory.

The next season, Ehlinger dominated the Sooners defense, throwing for 314 yards, rushing for 72, and helping score five touchdowns in a 48-45 Texas victory.

The Longhorns finished 10-4 on the year with Ehlinger under center in 2018, and though they lost to eventual CFB Playoff participant Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship Game, Texas beat out No. 5 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, a game in which Ehlinger was named MVP.

“I’ve been impressed with his improvement,” Riley said. “It certainly looked like he improved quite a bit as a thrower there last year, but he’s always been a tough, competitive kid.”