Former Texas Longhorns Star Quarterback Quinn Ewers Impresses Coaches and Teammates With Strong Performances at Miami Dolphins Training Camp

Former Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers is quickly making a name for himself in the National Football League, turning heads and exceeding expectations at the Miami Dolphins’ training camp. The highly touted prospect, once regarded as one of the most electric arms in college football, has now brought that same dynamic energy to the professional level, and early signs point toward a promising NFL future. While training camp performances are not always indicative of long-term success, the buzz surrounding Ewers’ development and on-field command suggests that he may be a player to watch very closely in the coming season.

Coming into training camp, the spotlight on Ewers was not without skepticism. After a college career that included moments of brilliance mixed with injuries and inconsistency, there were lingering questions about how well his game would translate to the pro level. Drafted by the Dolphins in the mid-rounds, Ewers entered a quarterback room already featuring established talent and veteran leadership. However, it didn’t take long for the 6-foot-2 signal caller to distinguish himself with his quick release, pinpoint accuracy, and impressive grasp of the Dolphins’ complex offensive schemes.

Teammates and coaches have spoken glowingly about Ewers’ poise and maturity. Offensive coordinator Frank Smith was particularly impressed with Ewers’ mental approach, praising the young quarterback for his film study habits and ability to absorb the playbook at a rapid pace. “He’s been like a sponge,” Smith said during a media availability session. “Quinn comes in every day eager to learn, and he’s asking the right questions. He’s got a real feel for the game that you can’t teach. You see it in how he anticipates windows and how he manages the huddle.”

On the practice field, Ewers has backed up that praise with consistent execution. During 7-on-7 and full-team drills, he has shown a strong rapport with both starting and second-unit receivers. His timing routes with emerging wideout Erik Ezukanma and backup tight end Durham Smythe have been particularly sharp, showcasing an advanced understanding of route combinations and coverage tendencies. One standout practice saw Ewers throw three touchdowns in red-zone drills, including a perfectly placed back-shoulder fade that drew cheers from the sidelines and even a few appreciative nods from the defensive unit.

Perhaps most notably, Ewers’ arm strength and mobility—two of his standout traits at Texas—have been on full display. Rolling out to both sides, he’s delivered lasers into tight windows and shown a knack for throwing accurately on the run, a skill that aligns well with the Dolphins’ motion-heavy, West Coast-influenced offense. Head coach Mike McDaniel has not been shy in giving Ewers opportunities, even running a few first-team reps during joint practices with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While McDaniel has been cautious not to create a quarterback controversy, it’s evident he values the young QB’s upside and wants to test his limits in live reps.

Ewers’ emergence comes at an interesting time for the Dolphins, who are looking to solidify their quarterback depth behind starter Tua Tagovailoa. With Tagovailoa’s past injury concerns, the Dolphins front office is placing a premium on developing capable backups who can step in if needed. Veteran Mike White remains on the roster as a steady presence, but Ewers’ recent performances have sparked speculation that he could leapfrog into the primary backup role sooner than expected. That notion gained traction when Ewers was seen taking extended second-team reps during scrimmages, a role typically reserved for players firmly in the game-day mix.

For Ewers, this camp isn’t just about making the roster—it’s about rewriting the narrative. After beginning his college career with the Ohio State Buckeyes, only to transfer to Texas in search of playing time, Ewers’ journey has been anything but linear. His college tenure included flashes of brilliance, including standout games against Alabama and Oklahoma, but it was also marred by injuries and uneven performances. Still, NFL scouts remained intrigued by his raw tools, high football IQ, and leadership qualities. The Dolphins took a chance on him, and so far, that investment is looking like a wise one.

In interviews, Ewers has exuded a quiet confidence, often deflecting praise and emphasizing team goals over individual accolades. “I’m just here to learn, compete, and do whatever the team needs,” Ewers said after a recent practice. “This is a great organization with a lot of talent, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. I know I have a long way to go, but every day is a step in the right direction.” That humility, coupled with an obvious drive to improve, has made him a favorite among teammates, many of whom cite his easygoing demeanor and strong work ethic as key reasons why he’s fitting in so quickly.

One Dolphins veteran who has taken Ewers under his wing is wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. The speedy pass-catcher has been impressed with the rookie’s command and timing. “He puts the ball where it needs to be,” Waddle said. “A lot of young QBs try to force it or hesitate, but Quinn has that instinct. He’s trusting the system, and that’s big.” The chemistry between Ewers and Waddle was evident in a recent scrimmage when the two connected on a deep crossing route that split the safeties—a textbook throw that hinted at Ewers’ potential to eventually command an NFL offense at a high level.

Of course, training camp success is not a guarantee of regular-season performance, and the NFL landscape is filled with promising stories that didn’t pan out. But what separates Ewers so far is his combination of talent, coachability, and mental resilience. Coaches often speak of the “it” factor in young quarterbacks—an intangible blend of leadership, instinct, and performance under pressure. Ewers seems to possess that blend, and the Dolphins are clearly intrigued by what he might become.

As the preseason approaches, the real test will come under the lights in game conditions. Ewers is expected to see significant action in the Dolphins’ preseason schedule, giving fans and evaluators alike a chance to see how his training camp form translates against live defenses. Those games will also be crucial in determining his placement on the final 53-man roster, though at this point, it would be a major surprise if he didn’t make the cut.

If his current trajectory holds, Quinn Ewers could end up being one of the biggest surprises of the 2025 rookie class. He may not have entered the NFL with the same level of hype as some of his peers, but his early work with the Dolphins is earning him plenty of attention. Whether he eventually pushes for a starting role or becomes a high-quality backup, Ewers has positioned himself as a valuable asset for a team with playoff aspirations.

For Dolphins fans, his emergence is a welcome storyline amid a highly competitive AFC. With a roster already loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, the development of a young, promising quarterback could be the X-factor that adds long-term stability to the franchise. And for Quinn Ewers, this training camp may just be the beginning of a new chapter—one where the potential that once captivated college football finally blossoms on the NFL stage.

Only time will tell how far he’ll go, but one thing is clear: Quinn Ewers is no longer just a name on a depth chart. He’s a rising competitor, an intelligent leader, and perhaps the Dolphins’ quarterback of the future.