If Quinn Ewers, the talented quarterback from Texas, decides to forgo the NFL Draft and enter the transfer portal, the college football world would likely be rocked. As one of the most highly-touted quarterbacks in the country, Ewers would have numerous suitors and could choose from a variety of programs to continue his development and chase a national championship. In this scenario, we’ll explore the best potential fits for Ewers, focusing on schools that provide a combination of elite coaching, strong offensive systems, championship potential, and the right environment for Ewers to elevate his game.
1. Ohio State University
Why It’s a Fit:
Ohio State would be a natural landing spot for Ewers, as he originally committed to the Buckeyes before transferring to Texas. The connection between Ewers and OSU head coach Ryan Day, known for his ability to develop quarterbacks, is undeniable. Day has produced NFL-caliber quarterbacks like Justin Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and more recently, CJ Stroud, and would offer Ewers a great opportunity to refine his skills in a familiar offensive system.
Ohio State has also established itself as a powerhouse program with national championship aspirations year in and year out. With elite wide receivers, a talented offensive line, and a strong defense, Ewers would have the support needed to make a run at the College Football Playoff and potentially the Heisman Trophy. Moreover, returning to Ohio State could allow Ewers to rekindle his chemistry with some of the coaching staff and his former teammates, making the transition seamless.
Program Strengths:
- Proven success in developing top-tier quarterbacks
- High-powered offense and elite receiving corps
- Championship pedigree and national title aspirations
- A familiar environment for Ewers
2. University of Alabama
Why It’s a Fit:
Alabama, under head coach Nick Saban, has established itself as a perennial contender for national championships. Known for its dominant defense, strong offensive line, and elite playmakers at every position, the Crimson Tide could be a perfect fit for Ewers if he’s looking for a program that can compete for a national title while also giving him the tools to succeed at the next level.
Alabama has also shown a growing trend of developing star quarterbacks under offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, including recent Heisman winner Bryce Young. With O’Brien’s ability to mold quarterbacks into NFL-caliber players, Ewers could benefit from learning under one of the best coaching staffs in college football. Moreover, Alabama’s extensive talent pipeline and strong recruiting efforts would provide Ewers with top-tier weapons to work with, which would make his transition smoother.
Program Strengths:
- National championship aspirations and winning culture
- Elite coaching staff, including experienced quarterback development
- An established pipeline to the NFL
- Incredible talent on both sides of the ball
3. University of Georgia
Why It’s a Fit:
The Georgia Bulldogs are coming off a dominant national championship win in 2022, and head coach Kirby Smart has built a juggernaut that combines elite defense with a balanced, physical offense. While Georgia has historically leaned on its defense and running game, the emergence of quarterback Stetson Bennett, who led the team to the title, demonstrates the Bulldogs’ ability to get the most out of their quarterbacks.
For Ewers, Georgia offers a rare opportunity to join a championship-caliber program with a loaded roster, particularly on defense and in the running game. If Ewers desires to step into an environment that will immediately put him in the hunt for a national title, Georgia could be an excellent option. Under Smart, the Bulldogs have consistently recruited at an elite level, and Ewers would be surrounded by high-level talent, making his transition easier and more successful.
Additionally, offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who has experience working with high-level quarterbacks, could be the right fit to unlock Ewers’ potential. Monken has worked with NFL-caliber quarterbacks before, and his ability to tailor the offense to his players’ strengths could benefit Ewers.
Program Strengths:
- National championship pedigree
- Elite defense and physical offense
- High-level recruiting and talent across the roster
- Coaching staff capable of developing quarterbacks in a championship system
4. University of Southern California (USC)
Why It’s a Fit:
USC, under head coach Lincoln Riley, represents one of the most dynamic offenses in college football. Riley has a long track record of developing quarterbacks into Heisman contenders and first-round NFL picks, as seen with his work with Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Caleb Williams. If Ewers wants to maximize his potential as a quarterback and showcase his talents in a pro-style offense, USC would be one of the best fits for him.
Riley’s system thrives on putting quarterbacks in a position to succeed with up-tempo, pass-heavy offenses that maximize their skill set. USC has already built one of the most potent offenses in the nation with Williams at the helm, and if Ewers were to join, he would be able to benefit from Riley’s expertise and the system’s ability to highlight his passing ability. Moreover, USC’s wide receivers are often among the best in the country, providing Ewers with elite playmaking options.
USC is on the rise under Riley, and with the transfer portal being a key component of roster building, Ewers could play a major role in the Trojans’ pursuit of a national title in the coming years.
Program Strengths:
- High-powered, quarterback-friendly offense under Lincoln Riley
- Proven track record of developing elite quarterbacks
- Rising national title contender in the Pac-12
- Elite playmakers and a pass-heavy system
5. University of Michigan
Why It’s a Fit:
Michigan, led by head coach Jim Harbaugh, has become one of the top teams in the Big Ten and is consistently in the hunt for the College Football Playoff. The Wolverines have had a solid quarterback situation in recent years, with J.J. McCarthy now leading the team, but if Ewers were to transfer, he would be joining a program with a strong identity, a great offensive line, and an overall focus on winning through balance and toughness.
Ewers would benefit from Michigan’s steady coaching, particularly offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore, who has demonstrated the ability to put quarterbacks in situations to succeed while balancing a power-running game with play-action opportunities. Michigan has a talented roster, including one of the nation’s best running backs in Blake Corum, who would provide Ewers with a strong run game to lean on.
The Michigan Wolverines, under Harbaugh, have established themselves as one of the toughest teams in college football, and Ewers could help take them over the top, providing a dynamic quarterback who can make plays through the air while complementing the run game.
Program Strengths:
- Strong team culture and championship aspirations
- Elite offensive line and run game
- Proven success in the Big Ten and College Football Playoff contention
- Balanced offense with a focus on quarterback development
6. Florida State University
Why It’s a Fit:
Florida State has been on the rise under head coach Mike Norvell, with a dynamic offense led by quarterback Jordan Travis and an emerging talent base on both sides of the ball. If Ewers wants to play for a program on the verge of breaking into the College Football Playoff, FSU could be a dark horse contender.
Norvell’s offense is built on a quick-paced passing game, and the Seminoles have a wealth of talent at the skill positions to support Ewers in his pursuit of success. Additionally, Florida State has made tremendous strides in its recruiting efforts, and Ewers would be entering an environment with plenty of talent around him.
Florida State’s status as a rising powerhouse in the ACC, coupled with a talented coaching staff, would make it an appealing option for Ewers, especially if he’s looking to play with a chip on his shoulder and help restore the Seminoles to prominence.
Program Strengths:
- Up-and-coming program with College Football Playoff potential
- High-powered, quick-passing offense
- Strong recruiting and emerging talent base
- Ability to compete in a wide-open ACC
7. University of Washington
Why It’s a Fit:
Washington, under head coach Kalen DeBoer, is another team on the rise. With a high-powered offense and a quarterback in Michael Penix Jr. putting up impressive numbers, the Huskies are gaining national attention. If Ewers is looking to join a program with a strong offensive system and championship aspirations in the Pac-12, Washington could be a great fit.
DeBoer’s ability to coach quarterbacks, combined with the wealth of talent in Washington’s offense, would make this a dynamic pairing. Washington has always had a strong defense, and with the offense now trending upward, the Huskies could quickly become a contender in the Pac-12 and on the national stage. For Ewers, this would be an ideal place to develop while also competing for championships.
Program Strengths:
- High-powered offense with a great system for quarterbacks
- Championship aspirations in the Pac-12
- Strong recruiting and rising national profile
- A team ready to contend for major bowls and playoff spots
