Quinn Ewers, the star quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, has officially announced that he does not expect to play college football next year, signaling his intention to enter the 2025 NFL Draft. The announcement, made ahead of Texas’ College Football Playoff semifinal game against Washington, confirms what many speculated—Ewers is ready to take the next step in his football career.
His decision has significant implications for Texas football, the upcoming NFL Draft, and the future of the quarterback position in Austin. Let’s take a closer look at Ewers’ college journey, his draft stock, and what this means for Texas moving forward.
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## **Ewers’ College Journey: From Ohio State to Texas Star**
Quinn Ewers’ path to college football stardom has been anything but conventional. A five-star recruit from Southlake Carroll High School in Texas, he was originally the No. 1 quarterback prospect in the 2022 class. However, Ewers made headlines when he reclassified to the 2021 class and enrolled early at Ohio State, in part to capitalize on the new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities available to college athletes.
At Ohio State, Ewers barely saw the field, sitting behind C.J. Stroud. After just one season, he decided to transfer back home to Texas, where he was expected to be the savior of the Longhorns’ program under head coach Steve Sarkisian.
Ewers won the starting job in 2022 and quickly made an impression. He nearly led Texas to an upset over Alabama before suffering a shoulder injury that sidelined him for several games. Despite the setback, he showed flashes of elite talent, finishing the year with 2,177 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
His 2023 season was even stronger. Ewers passed for 3,479 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just six interceptions while leading Texas to a Big 12 Championship and its first College Football Playoff appearance. His development as a passer, improved decision-making, and leadership were evident, making him a top quarterback prospect for the NFL.
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## **Why Ewers is Entering the Draft**
Ewers’ decision to forgo his remaining college eligibility and enter the NFL Draft makes sense for several reasons:
### **1. NFL Draft Stock is High**
While Ewers is not seen as a surefire top-10 pick like USC’s Caleb Williams or North Carolina’s Drake Maye, he is still considered one of the better quarterback prospects in this draft class. Some draft analysts project him as a late first-round or early second-round pick. If he has a strong pre-draft process—impressive performances at the NFL Combine and Pro Day—he could boost his stock even higher.
### **2. Injury History**
Ewers has dealt with multiple injuries during his college career, including a shoulder issue in 2022 and a clavicle injury in 2023. Given the physical toll of college football, declaring for the NFL now allows him to start his professional career while relatively healthy. Another year in college could increase the risk of further injuries.
### **3. Financial Incentives**
While Ewers has made significant money through NIL deals at Texas, there is a major difference between NIL earnings and an NFL rookie contract. Even as a late first-round pick, he would be looking at a multi-million dollar contract with guaranteed money—something that NIL cannot fully match.
### **4. Arch Manning’s Presence**
One of the biggest factors in Ewers’ decision could be the presence of backup quarterback Arch Manning, the highly touted five-star recruit from the famous Manning family. While Ewers was clearly the starter in 2023, many believed that Manning could push for playing time in 2024. Instead of entering another year with competition for the starting role, Ewers’ departure clears the way for Manning to take over.
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## **What This Means for Texas Football**
With Ewers heading to the NFL, the Texas Longhorns will have a new starting quarterback in 2024. The most likely replacement is Arch Manning, though Maalik Murphy, another talented backup, could compete for the job.
### **1. The Arch Manning Era Begins**
Manning has been one of the most hyped quarterback recruits in recent memory. His name alone brings enormous expectations, but his high school tape and potential suggest he could be a star. If he wins the starting job, Texas fans will expect him to continue the success that Ewers helped build.
### **2. Texas’ Transition to the SEC**
The 2024 season is a pivotal one for Texas, as the Longhorns move from the Big 12 to the SEC. The competition will be much tougher, and having a new quarterback leading the team makes the transition even more challenging. Manning—or whoever wins the job—will have to perform at a high level quickly.
### **3. Steve Sarkisian’s QB Development**
Sarkisian has built a reputation as a quarterback guru, helping develop talents like Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and now Ewers. His ability to get the most out of his quarterbacks will be crucial for Texas moving forward. If Manning thrives under Sarkisian’s system, the Longhorns could remain a contender in the SEC.
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## **How Ewers Compares to Other NFL QB Prospects**
Ewers will be entering an NFL Draft class loaded with quarterback talent. Here’s how he stacks up against some of the other top prospects:
– **Caleb Williams (USC)** – The likely No. 1 overall pick, Williams is a generational talent with elite arm strength and mobility.
– **Drake Maye (North Carolina)** – A strong-armed quarterback with high upside, Maye is projected as a top-5 pick.
– **Jayden Daniels (LSU)** – The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, Daniels is a dual-threat quarterback who could be a top-10 pick.
– **Michael Penix Jr. (Washington)** – A pure pocket passer with elite accuracy, projected as a late first-rounder.
Ewers likely falls into the second tier of quarterbacks with Penix and Oregon’s Bo Nix. While he has a strong arm and good decision-making, his inconsistent deep ball accuracy and injury history raise concerns.
However, if a team is looking for a young quarterback with upside, Ewers could be an attractive option in the late first or early second round. Teams like the Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, or Las Vegas Raiders could be potential landing spots.
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## **Final Thoughts: A Smart Decision for Ewers**
Quinn Ewers’ decision to enter the NFL Draft is a logical step in his football journey. He has accomplished a lot at Texas, helped lead the program back to national relevance, and shown enough on film to warrant a high draft pick.
For Texas, his departure marks the beginning of a new era with Arch Manning, and the program will hope to maintain its success in the SEC.
For Ewers, the next few months will be crucial as he prepares for the NFL Combine, Pro Day, and private team workouts. If he performs well, he could solidify himself as a first-round pick and the next great Texas quarterback to make the leap to the NFL.
Regardless of where he is drafted, one thing is certain—Quinn Ewers’ journey is just beginning.
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