Quinn Ewers: From Buckeye to Longhorn, Chasing a CFP Dream
Quinn Ewers, the talented quarterback for the University of Texas Longhorns, has taken a remarkable journey through college football, one that includes a transfer from Ohio State and a quest to lead the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff (CFP) final. His path has been anything but ordinary, marked by early promise, unexpected moves, and a clear determination to reach the pinnacle of college football.
Ewers’ story begins in the state of Texas, where he was born and raised. His early football days were marked by an exceptional ability to throw the ball, quickly making him one of the top high school quarterbacks in the country. He played at Southlake Carroll High School, where he became a household name with his impressive arm strength, poise, and accuracy. By the time he graduated in 2021, Ewers had already secured his place as a five-star recruit and the No. 1 ranked quarterback in his class.
High School Phenomenon and the Recruitment Process
Ewers’ high school career was a dream. He threw for more than 4,000 yards and 45 touchdowns during his senior year alone, leading Southlake Carroll to the Texas 6A state championship game. The quarterback’s success quickly made him the crown jewel of the 2022 recruiting class, with nearly every college football powerhouse vying for his services. Ewers’ strong arm and ability to make every throw on the field made him a perfect fit for any major program.
Eventually, he committed to the University of Texas, his home-state school. However, Ewers’ journey would soon take an unexpected turn.
A Change of Plans: Joining Ohio State
In a surprising move, Ewers flipped his commitment to Ohio State University, opting to play for the Buckeyes, who were already a perennial powerhouse with one of the most explosive offenses in the country. For Ewers, the decision was partially influenced by the chance to join an elite program and compete for a starting job in one of the nation’s most potent offenses, led by head coach Ryan Day.
But Ewers’ time at Ohio State would be brief. After enrolling in 2021, the young quarterback quickly found himself behind C.J. Stroud, the consensus top quarterback in college football at the time. Stroud had an exceptional 2021 season and was widely seen as a future first-round NFL pick. For Ewers, this meant that his path to the starting job at Ohio State would be long and uncertain.
Ewers, however, was a player who was eager to see the field and make his mark. Rather than wait for his opportunity at Ohio State, he made the bold decision to transfer back to Texas, closer to home and in a program where he would have a more immediate chance to shine. This decision marked the beginning of his next chapter in college football, a chapter with high hopes and expectations.
A Return to Texas: The Longhorns’ New Star
Ewers’ decision to transfer back to Texas wasn’t just about coming home—it was about a chance to play for a program that was on the rise under head coach Steve Sarkisian. The Longhorns had been in the midst of a rebuilding process, and Ewers’ arrival was seen as the spark that could elevate the program to new heights. Texas had always been a team with immense talent but had struggled in recent years to put it all together. With Ewers now leading the offense, the Longhorns had a legitimate chance to return to national prominence.
In 2022, Ewers officially became the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns. His first season as a Longhorn was a mixed bag of highs and lows. Ewers demonstrated flashes of brilliance, showcasing the incredible arm strength and accuracy that made him a five-star recruit. In a memorable win over Alabama in the regular season, Ewers threw for 225 yards and two touchdowns, leading Texas to one of its biggest wins in recent memory.
However, the season was also marked by inconsistency. Ewers struggled with injuries and the growing pains that come with being a young quarterback in a high-pressure environment. Despite these challenges, Ewers showed the kind of resilience and leadership that coaches and teammates could rally around. The promise of his potential was clear to anyone watching, and it was evident that his best days were ahead of him.
2024: The Year of Growth
Heading into the 2024 season, Ewers was a more mature and confident quarterback. After another year of development under Sarkisian’s system, he was ready to take the next step. His understanding of the offense had improved, and his relationship with his receivers and offensive line had solidified. Texas, now ranked among the top teams in the nation, was poised for a legitimate run at the College Football Playoff, and Ewers was the key to that success.
The 2024 season was transformative for Ewers. His arm strength was on full display, but it was his decision-making and poise in the pocket that stood out the most. He had become more patient and was able to read defenses with greater precision, something that had eluded him earlier in his career. This newfound maturity was apparent in several games, including a thrilling victory over Oklahoma in the Red River Showdown, where Ewers threw for over 300 yards and accounted for three touchdowns.
Ewers had also formed a dynamic partnership with his top receivers, including Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell, both of whom benefited from Ewers’ ability to place the ball in tight windows and make deep throws down the field. Texas’ offense, which had been one of the most potent in the country, was firing on all cylinders, and Ewers was the engine that drove it.
With each passing week, the expectations surrounding Ewers grew. The Longhorns remained in the hunt for a spot in the College Football Playoff, and Ewers knew that his performance in the final weeks of the season would determine whether he could lead his team to the ultimate prize: a spot in the CFP National Championship game.
The Road to the CFP Final
The 2024 season was one of the most competitive in recent memory, with several teams jockeying for position in the playoff race. Texas, led by Ewers, found itself in the thick of the playoff hunt, but it wouldn’t be easy. The Longhorns had to navigate a tough schedule, including games against traditional rivals and elite teams from across the nation.
Throughout the season, Ewers and Texas faced some tough tests, but they proved resilient. A crucial win over a top-ranked team in the Big 12 Championship gave Texas a boost in the rankings, pushing them closer to a playoff berth. As the season drew to a close, the Longhorns found themselves in the College Football Playoff, with Ewers standing at the forefront of their title hopes.
In the semifinal game, Texas faced a formidable opponent in the form of an SEC powerhouse. Ewers was unfazed by the challenge and played the best game of his college career, throwing for over 350 yards and four touchdowns in a thrilling victory that sent Texas to the National Championship game.
The Future and Legacy of Quinn Ewers
Quinn Ewers’ journey from high school prodigy to Ohio State transfer to Texas star is one of resilience, growth, and determination. His decision to leave Ohio State and return to Texas was a pivotal moment in his career, one that has allowed him to develop into one of the top quarterbacks in college football. As he stands on the precipice of a potential national championship, Ewers is not just focused on personal achievement; he is intent on leading Texas back to the top of college football.
Regardless of the outcome of the CFP final, Ewers’ legacy is already being shaped. He has shown that with the right mindset and the willingness to grow, anything is possible. His ability to bounce back from adversity and continue to improve is a testament to his character and work ethic. Texas fans and college football enthusiasts alike are watching closely, knowing that Ewers is on the verge of something truly special.
For Ewers, the journey is far from over. With his sights set on the ultimate goal—winning a national championship—he has proven that he has what it takes to lead Texas to the promised land. Whether or not he can claim that elusive title, one thing is certain: Quinn Ewers has already made his mark on college football, and his story is one that will be remembered for years to come.
