This Friday night, the Texas Longhorns will face off against Ohio State in the highly anticipated Cotton Bowl, a game that serves as a gateway to the College Football Playoff championship. With significant stakes on the line, the match could also mark the end of starting quarterback Quinn Ewers’ college football career if Texas does not emerge victorious.
During an interview with ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Ewers indicated he does not plan to continue playing college football next season, adding fuel to the speculation surrounding his future. The talented quarterback has led the Longhorns over the past three seasons, showcasing impressive stats, including a completion rate of 66.5% this season for 3,189 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, contributing to the team’s 13-2 record and a semifinal appearance. However, his performance figures this year are slightly down compared to last season, where he completed 69% of his passes, accumulating 3,479 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just six interceptions.
As discussions about Ewers’ future intensify, various scenarios have emerged. If he opts to enter the 2025 NFL draft, he is expected to be among the top quarterback prospects available. Conversely, remaining in college introduces uncertainty regarding his starting position at Texas, particularly with redshirt freshman Arch Manning, a highly regarded former five-star recruit, waiting in the wings as his backup.
In further intriguing developments, recent reports suggested that Ewers was presented with a staggering $6 million name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal to transfer to another program. Ewers responded to these rumors, stating, “I think that’s selfish of me to be even thinking about it. 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.”
Ewers entered college football as the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2021 class and started his journey at Ohio State, where he became one of the first athletes to secure an NIL deal before transferring to Texas after one season.
In summary, the upcoming game could be a pivotal moment for both Texas and Ewers, as it may determine the quarterback’s next steps in his football career while solidifying the Longhorns’ position in collegiate football. With Ewers remaining focused on the present, the outcome of the Cotton Bowl could not only shape his future but also contribute to the ongoing evolution of college athletics, where player decisions and financial opportunities are increasingly intertwined.