With the Texas Longhorns standing on the precipice of national glory, just one win away from their first championship since 2009, all eyes are on starting quarterback Quinn Ewers. The young star is juggling the spotlight after leading his team to the postseason and considering his future, as speculation swirls about whether he will remain with the Longhorns, opt for the NFL Draft, or seek opportunity elsewhere.
Currently, rumors abound surrounding Ewers’ next steps after the upcoming College Football Playoff, particularly following reports of impressive offers coming his way. Among these, it’s reported he received a staggering $6 million offer from an unnamed school for him to enter the transfer portal after the season. Ewers, who still holds one year of college eligibility, must weigh this lucrative offer against the decision of launching his professional football career, potentially delaying it until 2026.
Former Longhorns quarterback and current NBC Sports analyst Chris Simms weighed in on the situation during his appearance on the Dan Patrick Show, expressing skepticism about Ewers entering the NFL Draft now, stating, “Yes, I would hope so because I don’t think he’s a guy who is going to go in the first two rounds of the draft.” Simms believes Ewers possesses the talents required to be drafted high, but suggested he may benefit from another year refining his skills, explaining, “He is an NFL quarterback. He needs to throw the ball with more authority.”
The backdrop framing Ewers' decision is the looming presence of Arch Manning, Texas' highly-touted backup quarterback and nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning. Reports indicate Texas is favoring Manning to lead the offense moving forward, casting doubt on Ewers’ prospects of remaining with the Longhorns. “I think it’s going to be somewhere else,” Simms predicted about Ewers' potential future, adding, “He'll show people maybe another year of high-quality football play and all of the skills he possesses.”
To add more depth to Ewers' consideration, former NFL safety Kerry Rhodes chimed in, advising Ewers during his segment on FOX Sports Radio's "The Odd Couple" show to take the transfer deal: “Absolutely, a thousand percent. The other alternative doesn’t even match up to [the offer].” He cautioned Ewers against rushing to the NFL, saying, “You’re going to be holding the clipboard.” Despite the enticing possibility of joining the professional league, Rhodes emphasized the undeniable appeal of making $6 million and securing another year of experience.
What complicates matters is Texas's apparent intention to move forward without Ewers post-season. With the Longhorns likely to pivot to Manning for the 2025 season, Ewers is left to mull his future amid the tension between his rising star status and the realities of college football politics.
Nonetheless, Ewers is aiming to solidify his standing before making any significant decisions. He has made impressive strides during the current season, completing 270 of 406 passes for 3,189 yards and notching 29 touchdowns, along with two rushing touchdowns. His standout performance against Arizona State showcased his ability to thrive under pressure, throwing for 322 yards and three touchdowns during their thrilling 39-31 double-overtime victory. With Texas heading to the College Football Playoff semifinal against Ohio State on January 10, Ewers has one last chance to impress NFL scouts and make his mark on college football.
Heading toward the clash at AT&T Stadium, Ewers is set to lead the Longhorns against the formidable Buckeyes. Despite Texas entering the matchup as underdogs, Ewers has consistently proven he can deliver during pivotal moments. The Texas Longhorns are counting on him to bring his A-game, not only to inch closer to winning their elusive national title but also to potentially cement his future, whether by impressing NFL scouts or assessing his options for next season.
With every touchdown pass and game-changing play, Quinn Ewers' legacy and future options become more intricately tied to each snap he takes. The question remains: will he capitalize on this moment to usher himself through the transfer portal or step boldly onto the NFL platform? The upcoming Playoff game will serve as both the climax of his current season and potentially the defining moment for his career beyond Austin.
With the collegiate football scene shifting rapidly, the future is bright yet uncertain for Ewers as he navigates the crossroads of college experience and professional aspirations.