Quinn Ewers is stepping into a new chapter, one that will take him away from Austin, Texas, where he has spent the last three years. On Wednesday, he made the significant announcement that he will declare for the NFL Draft, marking the end of a remarkable period at the University of Texas. This decision comes as the Longhorns have reestablished themselves as one of the premier programs in college football, and Ewers has played a pivotal role in that resurgence.
Why Quinn Ewers declared for NFL Draft
The timing of Ewers’ decision is intriguing, especially following Texas’ recent Cotton Bowl defeat to Ohio State. At just 21 years old, Ewers had a wealth of options available to him, particularly with the emergence of Arch Manning, a highly-touted quarterback prospect, waiting in the wings. This situation raised the question: why not explore opportunities elsewhere? With his impressive collegiate career, Ewers had the chance to secure lucrative NIL deals from various programs, making the prospect of leaving Texas even more appealing.
Ewers’ journey has not been without its challenges. Once considered a first-round draft prospect, his stock has fluctuated due to injuries that affected his performance. His interception rate climbed to 2.7 percent, raising concerns among scouts. Despite these setbacks, the allure of the NFL appears to have been too strong for Ewers to resist. He expressed his gratitude for his time at Texas, stating, “These past three years have been some of the best years I could’ve imagined. I’m truly thankful for the opportunity to play football in my home state at the best university in the world. … With prayer and careful consideration, I’m officially declaring for the NFL Draft.”
Quinn Ewers draft projection
As Ewers prepares for the NFL Draft, the landscape for quarterback prospects is shaping up to be quite competitive. Analysts have mixed opinions about his potential, with many projecting him as a Day 2 talent. However, there’s a silver lining: the 2025 NFL Draft class is not particularly strong at the quarterback position, which could work in Ewers’ favor. If he performs well in pre-draft workouts, he could see his stock rise significantly.
In the latest mock drafts, Ewers is being viewed as a potential pick for teams looking for a quarterback with upside. For instance, one prominent analyst has him going No. 21 overall to the Pittsburgh Steelers, citing his “downfield passing and untapped athleticism” as key attributes that make him an enticing prospect.
Texas QB depth chart
With Ewers moving on to the NFL, the spotlight now shifts to Arch Manning, who is poised to take over as Texas’ starting quarterback. Manning, the highly-regarded redshirt freshman, showcased his talent during the 2024 season, throwing for nine touchdowns and rushing for four more in just ten appearances. His ability to step up in critical moments, particularly when Ewers was sidelined with an oblique injury, has set the stage for an exciting future for the Longhorns.
Ewers’ departure opens the door for Manning to lead Texas into a new era, and fans are eager to see how he will perform as the face of the program. With a rich lineage in football and immense talent, Manning’s ascension could further solidify Texas’ status as a powerhouse in college football.
The journey ahead for Ewers
As Quinn Ewers embarks on his NFL journey, the excitement surrounding his potential is palpable. He has shown flashes of brilliance during his time at Texas, and while his draft stock may have its ups and downs, his determination and skill set could make him a valuable asset for any NFL team.
Ewers’ decision to leave college football is not just about pursuing a professional career; it’s also about the pursuit of his dreams. The NFL represents a new challenge, one that Ewers is ready to embrace. As he prepares for the rigors of the draft process, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he navigates this pivotal moment in his career.
In a world where college football is constantly evolving, Quinn Ewers’ journey is a testament to the opportunities that lie ahead for talented young athletes. Whether he finds success in the NFL or continues to grow and develop, one thing is certain: his time at Texas has set the foundation for what promises to be an exciting future. As the countdown to the draft begins, Ewers stands at the precipice of a new adventure, ready to make his mark on the professional stage.
