Texas QB Quinn Ewers Faces NFL Draft Dilemma: He Can Make More Money in College Football in 2025
The landscape of college football has undergone significant changes in recent years, and one of the most impactful transformations has been the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. NIL has not only allowed college athletes to capitalize on their personal brand but has also added a layer of complexity when it comes to decisions about whether to enter the NFL Draft or stay in college for another year. This dilemma is particularly pressing for Quinn Ewers, the talented quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, who faces a critical decision regarding his future in the 2025 offseason.
Ewers is coming off a promising season in 2024 and is widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in college football. His skill set, size, and raw talent have made him an enticing prospect for NFL scouts, but the rise of NIL opportunities complicates the decision. In 2025, Ewers has the potential to make more money staying in college for another season than he would by entering the NFL Draft, where financial compensation in the early stages may not match what he can earn as a college athlete.
In this article, we will delve into Quinn Ewers’ dilemma, explore how the NIL landscape impacts his decision, analyze the benefits and drawbacks of staying in college versus entering the NFL Draft, and discuss the implications for the Texas Longhorns and their 2025 season.
The Rise of NIL in College Football
The introduction of NIL deals in 2021 has revolutionized college athletics, particularly in football. Players are now able to monetize their likeness, which has given them the ability to earn money through endorsements, social media promotions, and even personal businesses. For a player like Quinn Ewers, who plays a highly visible position at the University of Texas, the financial opportunities are immense.
NIL deals can vary in value, but for top-tier players, they can be worth millions of dollars. The potential for Ewers to make significant money through NIL partnerships is an attractive proposition, especially when considering that entering the NFL draft might not immediately provide him with the same level of financial stability or endorsement opportunities. For quarterbacks in particular, the path to a lucrative NFL contract is not always immediate, with many players spending several years before earning significant paydays.
Ewers, as a highly coveted quarterback, has already attracted attention from major brands and could see his NIL value skyrocket if he stays in college for another season. The ability to earn money while playing at the University of Texas, one of the most prominent programs in college football, is a huge motivator for staying in college for another year. Additionally, by remaining at Texas, Ewers can continue to improve his skills, potentially raising his draft stock for the future and securing a higher rookie contract once he is ready for the NFL.
Ewers’ Impressive College Career So Far
Quinn Ewers arrived at Texas with a lot of fanfare, having been one of the top-rated quarterbacks in the 2022 recruiting class. His early college career saw him navigate a somewhat tumultuous start, with an injury-plagued 2022 season that limited his ability to fully showcase his talents. However, by 2024, Ewers had started to hit his stride and showed why he was considered one of the top quarterback prospects in college football.
In 2024, Ewers led Texas to an impressive season, putting up strong statistics and gaining national attention. His arm strength, ability to read defenses, and playmaking ability were on full display, earning him recognition as one of the top quarterbacks in the country. Despite facing some fierce competition in the Big 12, Ewers helped Texas remain a dominant force in the conference. With his performance in 2024, many experts began to project Ewers as a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, solidifying his place among the top young quarterbacks.
However, despite the success, Ewers’ journey is far from complete. His development as a quarterback is still ongoing, and staying in college for another year could allow him to refine his skills further, gaining more experience before making the jump to the NFL.
NFL Draft vs. College Football: The Financial Decision
When Quinn Ewers evaluates his options, one of the most critical factors to consider is the financial compensation that he would receive by entering the NFL Draft versus staying in college football for another year.
Entering the NFL Draft is undoubtedly a lucrative proposition for many college athletes, especially those projected to go in the first round. However, for quarterbacks, the financial windfall isn’t always immediate. While first-round quarterbacks typically earn sizable signing bonuses and high rookie contracts, the financial incentives for second- and third-round picks aren’t as significant, at least in the early stages. A player who is drafted in the second or third round might face a situation where their contract isn’t as lucrative, and they might have to work their way up through the league to earn higher pay.
By contrast, staying in college for another season could allow Ewers to earn more money through NIL deals than he would make as a second- or third-round NFL draft pick. In 2025, top quarterbacks in college football are securing multi-million-dollar NIL deals, with some even earning more in one season than they would make as rookies in the NFL. This creates a fascinating dilemma for Ewers: does he take the financial security of staying in college for another year, or does he take the risk and head to the NFL, where he may face a lower financial ceiling early on?
Ewers also needs to factor in the potential for injury. College football is a physically demanding sport, and injuries are a constant risk. By staying in college for another season, Ewers faces the possibility of an injury that could impact his draft stock and future earnings. On the flip side, waiting another year to enter the NFL could give him an additional season to prove his worth and increase his draft position, potentially earning a larger contract.
The Texas Longhorns’ 2025 Season and Ewers’ Legacy
As Texas prepares for the 2025 season, Quinn Ewers’ decision will have a significant impact on the program’s goals and expectations. The Longhorns are coming off a strong 2024 season and are looking to build on that momentum as they head into 2025 with an eye on national contention. Ewers, as the leader of the offense, will be a key factor in the team’s success.
For Ewers, staying at Texas would mean an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy at one of the most storied programs in college football history. With a strong season in 2025, Ewers could not only help Texas win a national championship but also secure a higher draft pick in 2026, when he would likely enter the NFL Draft as a more refined player.
Additionally, staying at Texas would provide Ewers with the opportunity to continue building his NIL brand and further solidify his status as one of the most marketable players in college football. The exposure that comes with playing at Texas, coupled with the rising interest in NIL deals, means that Ewers could have another opportunity to maximize his earning potential before entering the NFL.
What’s Next for Ewers?
Quinn Ewers has a lot to consider in the coming months as he weighs the decision to stay at Texas or enter the NFL Draft. His 2025 season will likely be the most important of his career, both for his development as a quarterback and for his financial future.
If Ewers decides to stay in college, he will have the opportunity to further improve his draft stock, potentially securing a larger contract when he eventually enters the NFL. He will also continue to build his NIL brand, positioning himself as one of the most marketable players in college football. On the other hand, if he chooses to enter the NFL Draft, Ewers will face the uncertainty of how his career will unfold at the professional level, knowing that his financial compensation may not immediately match the NIL opportunities that college football provides.
Ultimately, Ewers’ decision will come down to a balance between his desire to win at the collegiate level and the financial incentives available to him. Whatever choice he makes, one thing is clear: Quinn Ewers is in a unique position, with the chance to shape both his immediate and long-term future in college football and beyond. For the Texas Longhorns, his decision will have a significant impact on their aspirations for the 2025 season and their pursuit of a national championship.
