The excitement is palpable as the No. 5 Texas Longhorns prepare to face off against the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl semifinal of the 2025 College Football Playoff. Both teams have fought hard to earn their spots, with Ohio State defeating Tennessee and Oregon in the earlier rounds, while Texas triumphed over Clemson and Arizona State. This clash promises to be a thrilling encounter, featuring two dynamic quarterbacks who have made headlines in their respective journeys.
Quarterback Showdown: Ewers vs. Howard
Friday night’s game will spotlight the intriguing matchup between Ohio State’s Will Howard and Texas’ Quinn Ewers. Both quarterbacks have made significant moves through the transfer portal, with Howard transitioning from Kansas State to Ohio State and Ewers making the switch from Ohio State to Texas. This adds an extra layer of drama to an already high-stakes game.
The Journey of Quinn Ewers
Quinn Ewers, a highly-touted quarterback recruit, was a 5-star prospect out of Southlake, Texas, and the No. 1 overall player in the class of 2021. His decision to sign with Ohio State was a significant moment, especially considering the offers he received from powerhouse programs like Auburn, Alabama, LSU, Miami, Michigan, and Penn State. So, what led Ewers to ultimately transfer to Texas?
Ewers’ arrival at Ohio State was anything but ordinary. Initially slated to join the Buckeyes in the class of 2022, he reclassified to the class of 2021 and enrolled in early August, just as the team was deep into preseason preparations. Head coach Ryan Day described the situation as “strange,” given that the Buckeyes were already gearing up for their season.
When Ewers arrived, Ohio State was in search of a new starting quarterback following Justin Fields’ departure for the NFL Draft. The competition included redshirt freshman C.J. Stroud, who had backed up Fields, and fellow 2021 signee Kyle McCord. As the season approached, Day named Stroud the starter, a decision that would shape the future for both players.
Stroud’s Success and Ewers’ Decision
C.J. Stroud’s performance in the 2021 season was nothing short of spectacular. He threw for 4,435 yards, with 44 touchdowns and only six interceptions, leading the Buckeyes to an 11-2 season and a Rose Bowl victory. With Stroud firmly established as the starter, it became clear to Ewers that his path to playing time at Ohio State would be challenging.
Day acknowledged the situation, stating, “C.J. really had a great season that season. And he [Ewers] decided he really wanted to play.” It was a tough decision for Ewers, but he ultimately chose to transfer back to Texas, where he had always dreamed of playing.
Although Ewers has never explicitly stated why he left Ohio State, he expressed gratitude for returning to his home state. “I grew up always watching the Longhorns play, wanting to be in that burnt orange,” he shared in April 2022. “There was a little obstacle in between, but I ended up here, and I’m very thankful for all the opportunities God has given me.”
Ewers’ Impact at Texas
Since transferring to Texas, Ewers has made a significant impact. In the 2022 season, he started 10 games, and his performance has continued to improve. The Longhorns’ roster included other talented quarterbacks, but Ewers quickly established himself as the leader of the offense.
In 2023, he showcased his skills with a completion percentage of 69%, throwing for 3,479 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. His ability to make plays with his arm and legs has made him a dual-threat quarterback, adding another dimension to Texas’ offense.
Quinn Ewers’ Stats Overview
To appreciate Ewers’ journey, let’s take a closer look at his statistics over the past few seasons:
|
Season |
Comp. % |
Yards |
TDs |
INTs |
Rush Yards |
Rush TDs |
|
2022 |
58.1 |
2,177 |
15 |
6 |
-52 |
1 |
|
2023 |
69 |
3,479 |
22 |
6 |
75 |
5 |
|
2024 |
66.5 |
3,189 |
29 |
11 |
-64 |
2 |
Looking Ahead: Ewers’ NFL Draft Prospects
As the season progresses, speculation about Ewers’ future continues to grow. His draft projection varies widely, with some analysts suggesting he may declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, while others believe he could benefit from another year in college. Before Texas embarked on its playoff journey, Ewers himself admitted he was “not sure” about his decision.
Currently, CBS Sports ranks him as the No. 4 quarterback and 53rd overall prospect. However, ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper has suggested that Ewers might consider entering the transfer portal instead of the draft. In a recent mock draft, he was projected to go No. 28 overall to the Pittsburgh Steelers, although other analysts have not placed him in the first round.
Injuries have also played a role in Ewers’ evaluation. He missed two games this season due to a high-ankle sprain and has dealt with shoulder and clavicle injuries in previous years. These factors will undoubtedly influence his decision as he weighs his options.
As the Cotton Bowl semifinal approaches, fans are eager to see how this thrilling matchup unfolds. With Ewers and Howard both aiming for glory, the stakes have never been higher. The journey of these two quarterbacks has been marked by challenges and triumphs, and their stories will continue to captivate college football enthusiasts.
