Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers has officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, concluding a transformative three-year tenure in Austin that revitalized the program and set the stage for the next era of Longhorn football.
A Promising Start and High Expectations
Ewers’ journey to Texas began with immense anticipation. As the top-ranked quarterback prospect in the 247Sports Composite rankings since Vince Young, his arrival in Austin was met with high expectations. After a brief stint at Ohio State, where he redshirted in 2021, Ewers transferred to Texas in December 2021. He quickly secured the starting role, leading the Longhorns to a 21–5 record over the next two seasons and guiding them to back-to-back College Football Playoff (CFP) appearances in 2023 and 2024 .
Career Achievements
Throughout his tenure at Texas, Ewers amassed over 9,000 passing yards and 68 touchdowns, completing 64.9% of his passes . Notably, he led the Longhorns to significant victories, including wins at Alabama and Michigan, and secured the program’s first Big 12 Championship since 2009. His leadership was instrumental in Texas’ historic back-to-back CFP wins over Clemson and Arizona State, marking the school’s only two CFP victories since the format’s inception in 2014 .
Challenges and Inconsistencies
Despite his successes, Ewers’ college career was not without challenges. He faced criticism for inconsistent performances in key games, such as late-game failures in the 2023 Sugar Bowl and Cotton Bowl . Injuries also impacted his play, and he threw a career-high 12 interceptions in the 2024 season. These factors contributed to skepticism among NFL coaches and executives regarding his readiness for the professional level .
Transition to the NFL
Ewers’ decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft signals the end of an era for Texas football and the beginning of a new chapter. His departure paves the way for freshman quarterback Arch Manning to take the helm as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback . While Ewers’ legacy includes significant achievements, his inconsistent performances and injury history have led to varied projections for his NFL prospects. Some analysts view him as a developmental prospect with potential, while others express concerns about his long-term viability as an NFL starter .
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Ewers’ journey from a highly touted recruit to a college football standout and now a draft prospect reflects both the potential and the challenges inherent in the transition to professional football. His story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sport and the resilience required to navigate its demands. For Texas fans, Ewers’ tenure will be remembered for its highs and lows, and his next steps in the NFL will be closely watched as he continues to pursue his football aspirations.
