Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers has sparked speculation about his future after a recent interview with ESPN's Pete Thamel. When asked if he anticipated playing college football next year, Ewers responded with a simple, "No, I don't." This has fueled rumors about his potential entry into the 2025 NFL Draft, despite not officially declaring his intentions.
Adding to the intrigue, reports have surfaced of a lucrative $6 million NIL deal offered by another school for Ewers to play in 2025. This comes as Ewers and the Longhorns prepare for a high-stakes Cotton Bowl Classic showdown against the Ohio State Buckeyes. The winner will advance to the national championship game against Notre Dame.
Ewers' 2024 season has been somewhat underwhelming compared to his previous performance. He's thrown for almost 300 fewer yards and has five more interceptions, despite playing in an additional game. While he's recorded 29 touchdowns, this is only a slight increase from the 22 he threw last season. An injury sidelined Ewers for a period, allowing backup Arch Manning to gain valuable experience. Manning's increased playing time, primarily as a runner, even after Ewers' return, has raised questions about the coaching staff's confidence in their starting quarterback.
The Cotton Bowl Classic represents Ewers' 37th collegiate game. With Manning’s commitment to Texas and his promising performances this year, some speculate that head coach Steve Sarkisian might have a shorter leash on Ewers than expected. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Ewers remains the key player for Texas as they strive to capture their first national championship since 2006. Last year, the Longhorns fell short in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Washington, who ultimately lost to Michigan in the championship game.
