In Austin, Texas, Quinn Ewers has a significant decision ahead of him this offseason. Ewers, who has been the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns for the past three years, is well-known for his skill on the field. He has developed into one of the top quarterbacks in the nation, bringing Texas to the forefront as a consistent contender for the playoffs year after year.
However, this success comes with some challenges. The emergence of five-star quarterback Arch Manning threatens to change the landscape for Ewers as he is set to take over the starting role in 2025. With just one year of college eligibility left, Ewers finds himself in a complicated spot. While his numbers from the previous season are decent — with 3,472 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions — many believe he might still need more time before making a successful jump to the NFL.
With the possibility of transferring surfacing, various schools are reportedly lining up with lucrative NIL offers to lure him away from Texas. Nevertheless, there is an argument to be made that turning pro now could be the better path. The chance to earn significant money in college through NIL deals is appealing, but many college athletes still aspire to join the professional ranks, especially given football’s high injury risk.
This season, Ewers played a crucial role in leading a Longhorns team that hadn’t had double-digit wins since 2018 to a spot in the College Football Playoffs during 2023 and 2024. Competing in the tough SEC didn’t make it any easier, yet he proved himself amidst fierce competition.
According to reports, schools like Ohio State, Ole Miss, and Alabama are keen on acquiring Ewers, with offers expected to exceed $5 million. Wherever he goes, Ewers might find himself guaranteed the starting job, providing him the spotlight to show his talents free from the pressure of competition from a highly-rated backup.
Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL season, the demand for quarterbacks is expected to be high, especially in a class not deemed the strongest. By opting to turn pro, Ewers could capitalize on this opportunity while reducing the risk of a career-impacting injury that could arise if he chooses to stay in college.
Ultimately, the decision rests with Ewers. Betting on himself might mean more than just joining college for another year. The chance to make a mark as a quarterback in the NFL is calling, and it may be time for Ewers to answer that call sooner rather than later.
