Quinn Ewers has always had a flair for the dramatic. From his early days on the field to his current status as a standout quarterback, Ewers has been a player to watch. With a remarkable tally of 8,845 passing yards and 66 passing touchdowns, he ranks third in Texas Longhorns history as of January 7. But how did this Texas gunslinger find his way to Austin? Let’s take a closer look at his winding journey through the college football landscape.
Quinn Ewers’ journey to Texas
Ewers remains one of college football’s most polarizing talents. His captivating tenure with the Longhorns, coupled with his origins at Carroll High School in Texas, has kept fans and analysts alike intrigued, even when he’s not on the field. By 2020, he was already a five-star recruit, heralded as one of the greatest talents to enter the sport. His journey began with a decision that would shape his future—foregoing his senior year of high school to enroll early in college.
Quinn Ewers recruiting saga
Ewers was a highly-touted recruit, climbing to the top spot on 247Sports’ Class of 2021 recruiting rankings. His perfect score of 1.000 on the 247Sports Composite ranking placed him among an elite group of only 16 players to achieve such heights, including names like Trevor Lawrence and Vince Young. Initially classified as a Class of 2022 prospect, Ewers made the bold choice to skip his final year of high school. He cited his inability to profit from his name, image, and likeness as a motivating factor for this decision.
Commitment to Ohio State
In November 2020, Ewers committed to Ohio State, becoming the third consecutive No. 1-ranked recruit to join the Buckeyes. His initial commitment was to Texas, a school he had long dreamed of representing. However, as the recruiting process unfolded, Ewers realized he needed to explore all his options. Ultimately, he chose Ryan Day’s squad, securing a lucrative $1.4 million NIL deal with GT Sports Marketing along the way.
Ohio State’s quarterback depth chart
Upon arriving in Columbus, Ewers found himself in a crowded quarterback room. The 2021 season saw him competing against talented players like CJ Stroud, Kyle McCord, and Jack Miller. This fierce competition led to a summer battle for the starting position, with Stroud eventually emerging as the frontrunner to replace Justin Fields. Ewers, unfortunately, found himself buried on the depth chart, only getting a few snaps during the season.
Why did Quinn Ewers transfer to Texas?
After a challenging freshman season, Ewers entered the transfer portal in December 2021. Just over a week later, he made the decision to join Texas, the very school he had turned down a year prior. Rumors of homesickness had circulated during his time at Ohio State, and the prospect of facing a returning Stroud and McCord in 2022 likely influenced his decision. Texas, coming off a disappointing 5-7 season under Steve Sarkisian, offered Ewers a fresh start and a clearer path to the starting position.
Winning the Texas QB1 job
The Longhorns named Ewers their starting quarterback ahead of the 2022 season, with the announcement coming in a unique manner—through the school’s sports information director. Sarkisian did not elaborate on Ewers’ performance to earn the role, nor did he mention the competition from Hudson Card, who had moved into the backup position after Casey Thompson’s transfer to Nebraska.
Ewers kicked off his Texas career against Louisiana-Monroe on September 3, 2022, showcasing his skills by completing 16 of 24 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns in a resounding 52-10 victory. However, his season took a turn when he suffered a shoulder injury against No. 1 Alabama the following week. Despite this setback, Ewers quickly returned to the starting lineup and has since held onto the role, fending off challenges from Card and the highly-touted Arch Manning.
The impact of Quinn Ewers at Texas
Ewers’ arrival at Texas represents a significant turning point for the program. With his talent and pedigree, he has the potential to elevate the Longhorns back to their former glory. His journey, marked by bold decisions and fierce competition, reflects the challenges many young athletes face in the high-stakes world of college football.
As Ewers continues to develop and refine his skills, fans are eager to see how he will shape the future of Texas football. Will he lead the Longhorns to new heights? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Quinn Ewers is a name that will resonate in the annals of college football for years to come.
