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University of Texas signal caller Quinn Ewers is headed to the NFL. He made intentions to declare for the draft known on Wednesday. The news was somewhat expected, though not everyone agrees with the decision.
Many believed the passer could’ve benefitted from another season at the college level while continuing to build his professional stock. That future could’ve been in Austin or elsewhere.
He’s been asked about his next steps all year long. Even late in the season, he remained mum on the subject.
“Who knows?” he replied when asked about this being his final year in the NCAA. “I’m just trying to win this week.” That response came ahead of the Longhorns’ win over rival Texas A&M.
A few weeks later, the team fell a game shy of a national title appearance. That final result, combined with his seemingly unsteady draft standing, provided uncertainty. Would he be back? He had options.
A return to Texas wouldn’t have been out of the question. He’s been Steve Sarkisian’s guy for three seasons. He reportedly had offers to enter the transfer portal, too.
One particular story noted a supposed $6 million deal from an unnamed school. Chip Brown of 247 Sports believes the going rate was even higher.
He was told by sources that a program offered $8 million for Ewers’ services. Again, he said no.
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers turned down an $8 million NIL offer to transfer to another school for his final year of eligibility because he was ready to move on and enter the 2025 NFL and also to preserve his college football experience as a Longhorn, sources close to Ewers told Horns247.
Ewers could’ve earned more in one season next year than the roughly $6 million in NIL revenue he’s earned the past three seasons in Austin, sources told Horns247. Ewers also earned $1.4 million by signing with GT Sports Marketing when he enrolled at Ohio State in the fall of 2021.
Quinn Ewers’ agent shot down the narrative of a potential transfer, stating that Texas would be the only program the quarterback would consider suiting up for – no matter the payday. That left two options. Texas or the NFL?
The passer provided an answer on Wednesday. His time as a Longhorn is over. Ewers will now look ahead to the future. Texas can move on, too.
Quinn Ewers solidified the Longhorns’ future under center.
At this time, Ewers has received mixed reviews in terms of draft outlook. Some still view him as a late first round choice. Others anticipate he’ll fall to Round 2, or even 3. Despite the uncertainty, he’s decided to test his luck.
That means Arch Manning is set to take over as QB1. It’s a title he held in two appearance this past season, both of which resulted in wins. The former five-star prospect has shown flashes as both a runner and passer this year, and with Ewers leaving, his role will only grow.
Manning never intended to leave Austin, even if Ewers opted to return. Just a redshirt freshman in 2024, he still has three years of eligibility remaining.
With that being said, nothing is ever 100% in this new age of NIL and the transfer portal. The newfound clarity at the quarterback position is good news.
With Ewers now gone, Texas can move forward with its prized pick, Manning, without having the constant worry of his unhappiness on the bench. The starting role is his to lose. There shouldn’t be much of a QB competition in Austin this offseason. The Texas Longhorns can enter a new era without controversy. Arch Manning will be their guy.