FILE PHOTO: Jan 1, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Washington Huskies in the 2024 Sugar Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Caesars Superdome./John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo
The Texas Longhorns have a rich football tradition, and in recent years, their quarterback play has been a key point of interest. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, one quarterback from the Longhorns has garnered considerable attention as a potential selection: Quinn Ewers. The former five-star recruit and Ohio State transfer has shown promise during his time in Austin, and many experts believe that he could hear his name called in the upcoming NFL Draft.
The Rise of Quinn Ewers
Quinn Ewers, a highly touted prospect out of Southlake, Texas, was one of the most anticipated quarterbacks in recent high school football history. After spending a year at Ohio State, Ewers transferred to Texas in 2022 to play under head coach Steve Sarkisian. His recruitment was closely followed by scouts, college football analysts, and NFL personnel. Ewers was known for his arm strength, accuracy, and ability to make all the throws at an elite level, which made him a standout from a very young age.
In his first year as a starter at Texas, Ewers showed flashes of brilliance but also demonstrated some growing pains. He started the 2022 season with a strong performance in a win over Alabama, leading the Longhorns to a narrow victory. However, Ewers also suffered an injury early in the season that sidelined him for several games, disrupting his rhythm and overall development. Despite the setbacks, the potential was evident, and many saw him as one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country.
2023 Season and Development
The 2023 season was a critical year for Ewers as he needed to build on his freshman experience and prove that he was capable of leading the Longhorns to success while developing the necessary skills to compete at the next level.
In his sophomore season, Ewers had a more consistent and mature approach. He was able to stay healthy throughout the year and played in 13 games, leading Texas to a successful season that culminated in a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game. He displayed significant improvements in his decision-making, ball placement, and overall efficiency as a passer. His playmaking ability, especially his ability to push the ball down the field with impressive velocity, became a key asset for Texas.
Ewers’ growth in 2023 was marked by a combination of strong performances in critical moments and a more refined skill set that showcased his potential as an NFL prospect. His arm strength, accuracy, and poise in the pocket continued to impress scouts. While Ewers still had some room for improvement in areas like consistency, footwork, and reading defenses, his raw talent was undeniable.
NFL Draft Projection
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Quinn Ewers is widely considered one of the top quarterbacks available. Many draft analysts project him as a first-round selection, though the exact positioning can vary. His ability to throw the football with velocity and accuracy, combined with his physical tools (standing 6’2″ and weighing around 210 pounds), makes him an appealing option for NFL teams in need of a franchise quarterback.
Several factors will play into Ewers’ draft stock, including his performance during the pre-draft process, such as the NFL Scouting Combine and his individual pro day. His tape from the 2023 season will be analyzed extensively, and teams will look closely at his ability to operate in a pro-style offense. Ewers’ decision-making, his ability to process information quickly, and his development from year to year will be scrutinized.
NFL Team Fit and Potential
Ewers’ skill set makes him an intriguing prospect for several NFL teams. His arm strength and deep ball accuracy will likely appeal to teams that run offenses emphasizing vertical passing attacks. However, the biggest question for Ewers is whether he can consistently read defenses at the next level, as he sometimes struggled with that during his college career. Some NFL offenses may prefer a more polished quarterback, but there will likely be suitors for Ewers due to his upside.
Teams like the Indianapolis Colts, Washington Commanders, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, all of which are currently in search of a franchise quarterback, could be looking for a quarterback like Ewers. The possibility of him landing in a stable situation with a veteran offensive coordinator or a team that is willing to develop him over time could be an ideal scenario for Ewers to make a smooth transition to the NFL.
Ewers vs. Other Top Quarterback Prospects
In the 2025 NFL Draft, Ewers will face stiff competition for the top quarterback spots. Other notable quarterback prospects include Caleb Williams of USC, Drake Maye of North Carolina, and Michael Penix Jr. of Washington, all of whom have also had strong college careers and are projected to be first-round picks. However, Ewers has several qualities that could help him stand out from the pack.
While Williams and Maye are considered the top two quarterbacks in this draft class by many analysts, Ewers is not far behind. His natural ability to make throws that few others can replicate sets him apart. His arm strength and deep ball ability are elite, and he has shown flashes of brilliance in critical moments. However, there are questions about his consistency and his ability to lead a team over the course of a full season, and how he will adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL.
Challenges Ahead for Ewers
Ewers has undoubtedly shown flashes of brilliance, but he still faces several challenges before he is ready to be an NFL starter. One of the primary areas of focus for Ewers as he prepares for the draft will be improving his consistency. He needs to continue refining his mechanics, particularly his footwork and balance in the pocket, to ensure that he is as efficient as possible when making throws. His decision-making and ability to read defenses under pressure will also need to improve for him to succeed at the NFL level.
Furthermore, NFL teams will also be interested in how Ewers handles adversity. As a young player, he has shown the ability to bounce back from mistakes and play with poise, but the next step for him will be to take full control of a game and demonstrate leadership in high-pressure situations. Teams will want to see that he can carry a team to victory and elevate the play of those around him.
The Texas Longhorns’ Future With Ewers
As Quinn Ewers prepares for the NFL Draft, the Texas Longhorns are in an exciting period of transition. Ewers has the potential to be one of the top quarterbacks in Longhorns history, and his success in the NFL would represent a huge achievement for the program. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has done a great job developing quarterbacks, and Ewers’ development under Sarkisian has been an important factor in his progression.
The Longhorns will likely be in the mix for another quarterback battle in 2024, with highly ranked recruits and returning players vying for the starting job. Regardless of who leads the team in 2024, Ewers’ legacy at Texas will be remembered for his talent and leadership, and his success or failure in the NFL will be closely watched by Texas fans who hope to see one of their own succeed at the highest level.
