The upcoming Cotton Bowl semifinal between the No. 5 Texas Longhorns and No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes offers an exciting array of storylines, but one of the most compelling is the quarterback matchup between two players with significant history—Will Howard of Ohio State and Quinn Ewers of Texas. Both quarterbacks, who were once seen as future stars at their previous programs, ended up transferring, and their paths have led them to this monumental moment in college football: the College Football Playoff semifinals.
This game offers more than just a high-stakes contest for a berth in the National Championship. It’s a battle of redemption and opportunity, with two quarterbacks who have faced challenges along their journeys. Both Howard and Ewers have proven themselves at their new homes, but there’s a fascinating backdrop to their respective transfers that adds an additional layer to this rivalry. In particular, Quinn Ewers’ decision to leave Ohio State and transfer to Texas is one of the most talked-about moves in college football, and it serves as a key focal point in this contest.
The Path to Ohio State for Quinn Ewers
Quinn Ewers was one of the most highly anticipated quarterback recruits in recent memory. A 5-star recruit from Southlake, Texas, Ewers was ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2021 class, a coveted player that many programs—especially those in Texas—wanted desperately. But in a surprising twist, Ewers committed to Ohio State, even though the Longhorns were a strong contender for his services. His recruitment was closely followed, and for Ohio State, landing Ewers was a major win for the program, as it signaled the arrival of a generational talent.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day reflected on his first meeting with Ewers back in middle school, noting how he had recognized the potential of Ewers even as an eighth grader. Day said in a recent interview, “He was one of the first eighth-graders that I ever offered. I saw him and his dad, and I told them, ‘You’ve got a bright future ahead of you.’” Day’s belief in Ewers was evident from the beginning, and he was a priority for the Buckeyes as they aimed to secure a top quarterback for the future.
Ewers arrived at Ohio State with high expectations, but his time with the Buckeyes was filled with unexpected twists. Although he was originally slated to join the class of 2022, Ewers reclassified to the 2021 class and enrolled early at Ohio State in August. The timing was a bit chaotic, as the Buckeyes were already deep into their preseason preparations. When Ewers arrived, the quarterback room at Ohio State was stacked, with redshirt freshman C.J. Stroud already named as the starter.
C.J. Stroud’s Dominance and Ewers’ Decision to Leave
Once C.J. Stroud was named Ohio State’s starting quarterback, the decision was clear: Ewers would face an uphill battle to become the starter. Stroud, who would go on to throw for 4,435 yards and 44 touchdowns in the 2021 season, became one of the nation’s top quarterbacks, eventually finishing as a Heisman finalist. With Stroud firmly entrenched as the leader of the offense, Ewers realized that his best chance to start would likely not come at Ohio State, despite his immense talent.
“We certainly understood his decision,” Day said. “C.J. had a great season, and Quinn wanted to play. He’s a really good player with a lot of talent, and I think he’s had a great career at Texas.” While Ewers never explicitly stated his reasons for leaving Ohio State, the combination of Stroud’s success and his desire for more playing time led to his decision to transfer.
But the decision wasn’t just about finding playing time. Ewers admitted that returning to his home state of Texas played a significant role in his transfer. “I grew up always watching the Longhorns play, wanting to be in that burnt orange,” Ewers said. His deep connection to Texas was undeniable, and it played a key role in him deciding to join the Longhorns, even though it meant leaving a highly coveted position at Ohio State.
Ewers’ Journey at Texas
Upon arriving at Texas, Ewers immediately faced competition for the starting job. Texas’ quarterback room was filled with talent, including sophomore Hudson Card and true freshman Maalik Murphy. However, Ewers won the job and started 10 games in his first season with the Longhorns in 2022. Over the course of the season, he showed why he was such a highly regarded recruit, throwing for 2,400 yards, 18 touchdowns, and just 3 interceptions.
Despite a solid showing in his first year at Texas, Ewers’ story was far from over. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, Ewers grew into a more consistent and confident quarterback. His performance in the 2024 season, in which he led Texas to the College Football Playoff, is a testament to his development. Now, Ewers finds himself leading the Longhorns into the biggest game of his career: the Cotton Bowl semifinal, where he’ll face his old team, Ohio State.
Ewers’ mindset heading into the game is one of looking forward rather than reflecting on the past. As he put it, “That’s why the rearview mirror is so small and the windshield is so big.” He’s fully focused on the future and what lies ahead with Texas. But the narrative surrounding his transfer, the team he left, and the opportunity to prove himself on such a grand stage is certainly not lost on anyone involved in the matchup.
The Quarterback Duel: Howard vs. Ewers
Although much of the focus has been on Ewers’ transfer and his return to face his old team, it’s important to note that Ohio State has its own transfer quarterback in Will Howard. Howard, who transferred from Kansas State, has been a steady and reliable presence for the Buckeyes, helping lead them through a successful 2024 campaign. Like Ewers, Howard is looking to prove himself on a big stage, and this game will be a crucial test for him as well.
Howard has shown that he can be an efficient playmaker, and Ohio State will need him to perform at a high level against Texas’ defense. His ability to manage the game, make key throws, and avoid mistakes will be critical for the Buckeyes as they look to advance to the National Championship Game.
Conclusion: A Game of Redemption and Rivalry
The Cotton Bowl semifinal between Texas and Ohio State offers an intriguing quarterback battle, but it also represents a deeper narrative of redemption and rivalry. Ewers and Howard both took unconventional paths to get here, but they have arrived at this moment ready to prove themselves.
For Ewers, the game is a chance to show that he made the right decision by transferring to Texas and to earn a spot in the National Championship Game with the Longhorns. For Howard, it’s an opportunity to continue Ohio State’s dominance and show that he’s a worthy successor to the legacy of Buckeyes quarterbacks.
Whatever the outcome, this matchup promises to be one of the most exciting and emotional games of the season, as both quarterbacks look to make their mark on college football history.
