Texas narrowly edged out Arizona State in a thrilling Peach Bowl, winning 39-31 in double overtime. This victory not only propelled the Longhorns into the Cotton Bowl and the College Football Playoff semifinals, but it also spotlighted the future of their star quarterback, Quinn Ewers.
Ewers was instrumental in this victory, showcasing his talent by throwing a crucial 28-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Matthew Golden on a 4th and 13 play, which sent the game into a second overtime. Following that, he added another touchdown pass and a two-point conversion, solidifying his team’s position in the semifinals.
However, as Ewers shines on the field, questions loom over his future in college football and the NFL Draft. Despite his impressive performance, he has yet to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, leaving fans and analysts speculating about his next move.
Future Uncertain for Ewers
On Tuesday, reports surfaced that Ewers received a staggering $6 million NIL (name, image, and likeness) offer to enter the transfer portal. While the team behind this lucrative deal remains undisclosed, it positions Ewers as potentially the highest-paid player in college football. This offer comes in the wake of new Duke quarterback Darian Mesnah signing a two-year, $8 million NIL deal after transferring from Tulane.
Ewers’ decision will significantly impact the Longhorns’ roster, particularly for freshman backup quarterback Arch Manning. The grandson of New Orleans Saints legend Archie Manning and nephew of NFL icons Eli and Peyton Manning, Arch has been the subject of much discussion among fans who have called for him to start over Ewers this season.
Throughout the current season, Manning has thrown for nine touchdowns against just two interceptions, while Ewers has recorded 29 passing touchdowns with 11 interceptions. Texas has made it clear that Manning will take the reins as the starting quarterback next season, which raises the stakes for Ewers. Will he enter the transfer portal, or could he return to college for one more year to boost his draft stock?
Draft Prospects and Performance
Before this season, Ewers was projected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, his draft stock has taken a hit, and if he declares, analysts expect him to be chosen on Day 2 of the upcoming draft. With the enticing $6 million offer reportedly on the table, it seems more likely that Ewers will opt to remain in college for another season.
As the Longhorns prepare for their CFP Semifinal matchup next Friday, January 10, Ewers will suit up for at least one more game with Texas. His performance in this game could be pivotal, not just for the team’s success but also for his future prospects.
As the excitement builds for the upcoming semifinal, fans are left wondering: what will Ewers decide? Will he capitalize on the NIL offer and transfer, or will he stay to enhance his draft prospects? One thing is certain: the next few weeks will be crucial for both Ewers and the Texas Longhorns. The stakes are high, and the football world is watching closely.
