Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers indicated in an interview with ESPN’s Pete Thamel that his return to college football at Texas for another season is unlikely. Putting to rest rumors surrounding the elite Southlake Carroll product’s future at Texas.
Among the speculation was talk of a $6 million transfer offer from an unnamed school, as well as potential fits with Georgia or even joining Bill Belichick’s team in North Carolina—an idea that would have seemed outlandish just a few years ago.
NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay suggests another year in college football could benefit Ewers. McShay, a former ESPN host, noted that conversations with NFL teams reveal a consistent sentiment: Ewers might not yet be ready for the leap to the professional ranks.
“When I talk to NFL teams, I’ve solicited and I’ve gotten unsolicited [feedback],” McShay said. “When I’m talking to guys in the league—landslide: ‘He needs to grad transfer.’”
Such a move could pave the way for Arch Manning to become the starting quarterback while Ewers continues to develop. However, if Ewers transfers, it’s likely to come at a significant NIL deal. While money is a significant factor in college decisions for athletes these days, Ewers doesn’t seem to be the type of player who would prioritize money. For instance, we saw his response to questions about a potential $6 million dollar transfer offer.
“I think that’s selfish of me to be even thinking about it or looking at that,” Ewers said. “I owe my teammates the best version of me right now. I can’t be looking forward or I’ll trip on the rock that’s sitting right in front of me. I’ve got to be locked in on what’s right here.”
McShay goes on to say that we didn’t see the best year out of Quinn Ewers, and although it might not be to the same transfer caliber as Carson Beck, it’s certainly worth eyeing.
“I don’t know that another year with Quinn Ewers is necessarily going to change him like I think it could elevate a Carson Beck, Garrett Nussmeier, if I’m being totally honest,” McShay said. “But I also think we didn’t see the best of Quinn Ewers this year. Whether it was the oblique injury, whether it was the ankle injury at times, whether it was the pressure of playing at Texas which is a lot more overwhelming than people think.
With quarterback Ewers confirming he does not plan to return to Austin next season the question of his draft stock looms. Although we know for certain his time won’t be spent next season under Steve Sarkisian at Texas, what could happen if he choses to go forward with the NFL Draft?
Ewers led Texas to back-to-back victories in the College Football Playoff, but his draft stock is uncertain. Projections from USA TODAY suggest he could be selected as early as the second round or CBS Sports thinks so too. Though not ideal for a player of his caliber, draft position is not always a definitive measure of success. Tom Brady, famously picked 199th overall in the 2000 NFL Draft, went on to become a seven-time Super Bowl champion, fueling debates about whether his success was the result of his own talent or Bill Belichick’s coaching.
As Ewers sets his sights on the NFL, Texas fans can look ahead to the 2025 season opener. The Longhorns will travel to Columbus on Aug. 30 to take on Ohio State. All eyes will be on Arch Manning as QB1.
