Quinn Ewers’ future at Texas is a hot topic among fans and analysts alike. With the Longhorns gearing up for a crucial matchup against Ohio State in the College Football Playoff semifinals, the spotlight is firmly on the star quarterback. Ewers will be leading the charge for Steve Sarkisian’s squad as they aim for a spot in the national championship. But as the season approaches its climax, one pressing question looms: what’s next for Ewers?
In his third season as the starting QB, Ewers has put up impressive numbers. He has thrown for 3,189 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, completing 66.5% of his passes over 13 games. However, with the talented Arch Manning waiting in the wings and Ewers now eligible for the NFL Draft, the future is uncertain. Will he stay at Texas for another season, or will he take the plunge into professional football?
Quinn Ewers and the NFL Draft
As the anticipation builds for the upcoming playoff game, Ewers has hinted at his intentions regarding the 2025 NFL Draft. During an interview with ESPN’s Pete Thamel, he was asked if he expected to play college football next year. His response was a definitive “No, I don’t.” This statement has left fans buzzing about his potential departure from college football.
In the days leading up to Texas’ game against Clemson, Ewers expressed that he hadn’t given the draft much thought, focusing instead on winning games. “I’m not sure yet, I’m just trying to win these games,” he stated when pressed about his future. Yet, insiders have indicated that there is a strong expectation Ewers will declare for the 2025 NFL Draft.
If he opts to enter the draft this summer, it could be a strategic move. The quarterback class is relatively weaker, with names like Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Miami’s Cam Ward leading the pack. This scenario could position Ewers as a likely Day 2 pick, appealing to teams looking for a talented quarterback.
Texas QB depth chart
Should Ewers decide to leave Texas for the NFL, the question of who will take the reins as QB1 in Austin becomes crucial. The answer is clear: Arch Manning. The highly-touted freshman and nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning has been the backup to Ewers this season. Manning finally got his chance to shine when Ewers suffered an abdominal injury earlier in the year, leading to two starts where he showcased his skills.
Manning has completed 67.8% of his passes for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and just two interceptions this season. Additionally, he has demonstrated his dual-threat capability with 100 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Following Manning, freshman Trey Owens is also expected to contribute to the Longhorns’ future.
Quinn Ewers’ NIL Impact
The landscape of college football has dramatically changed with the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, and Ewers is no exception. According to recent valuations, the Texas star boasts an estimated annual value of $4.5 million, ranking him fourth among college football players nationally.
Ewers has secured lucrative deals with major brands like Beats by Dre, 7-Eleven, Hulu, Dr. Pepper, New Era, Sonic, and Wrangler. Only four collegiate athletes are earning more than him, including his teammate Arch Manning, who leads with an annual value of $6.6 million. Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter follow closely behind, with valuations of $6.5 million and $5.7 million, respectively.
The Road Ahead for Texas
As the Longhorns prepare for their pivotal game against Ohio State, the focus for Ewers remains on the field. A victory could propel Texas into the national championship, but the looming questions about his future will not fade easily. Will he choose to enter the NFL Draft, or will he opt for another season in college football?
If Ewers shines in the playoffs, it could bolster his draft stock even further. However, the allure of professional football and the chance to compete at the highest level may prove too tempting to resist. Texas fans are left to wonder about the impact of his decision on the program’s future and the potential for Arch Manning to step into the spotlight.
The excitement surrounding the upcoming playoff game is palpable, but the uncertainty of Ewers’ future adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. As the Longhorns aim for glory, all eyes will be on their star quarterback, not just for his performance in the game, but for the choices he will make in the coming months. The stakes are high, and the future of Texas football hangs in the balance.
