Introduction
Quinn Ewers has officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, marking a significant turning point in his football career. The Texas Longhorns’ quarterback has spent the past few years making waves in college football, earning accolades and catching the attention of NFL scouts, coaches, and fans alike. His decision to enter the draft is a highly anticipated moment, as it raises questions about his potential in the professional league, his development as a quarterback, and what his future might look like at the highest level of football.
This piece takes a deep dive into Ewers’ journey from his high school days to his time at Texas, evaluates his performance and growth as a quarterback, and examines what his decision to enter the 2025 NFL Draft means for both his career and for the Longhorns program.
Early Years and Recruitment
Quinn Ewers’ football journey began in the small town of Southlake, Texas, where he attended Southlake Carroll High School. A standout from an early age, Ewers became known for his strong arm, quick release, and impressive mechanics. By the time he was a sophomore, it was clear he was a special talent. His play on the field earned him recognition from scouts across the country, and he quickly became one of the top-ranked quarterbacks in his class.
The recruiting process for Ewers was highly competitive. Several major programs, including Ohio State, Texas, and others, sought after his services. Ewers initially committed to the University of Texas, but his recruitment took an unexpected turn when he ultimately decided to reclassify and skip his senior year of high school. Instead of playing one final season in high school, Ewers joined Ohio State University as part of the 2021 recruiting class, which was ranked among the best in the nation.
Ewers’ decision to reclassify was a bold move, and it set the stage for what would become an eventful and challenging early college career.
The Ohio State Experience
Ewers arrived at Ohio State with high expectations. The Buckeyes were loaded with talent, and Ewers found himself in a quarterback room that included CJ Stroud, who would go on to have an illustrious career at Ohio State and eventually become one of the top prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. Given Stroud’s prominence and success, Ewers didn’t immediately see the field, and his freshman year was more about learning and development than actual playing time.
Despite not starting, Ewers showed flashes of brilliance during his time in Columbus. He was noted for his arm strength, his ability to make all the throws, and his raw potential. However, with the depth chart stacked in front of him, it became clear that Ewers would need to look elsewhere for a more immediate opportunity to start. In December 2021, Ewers made the decision to transfer to the University of Texas, returning to his home state and setting the stage for the next chapter of his career.
Transfer to Texas: The Longhorns and a New Beginning
Quinn Ewers’ transfer to Texas was a high-profile move that brought a great deal of excitement to the Longhorns’ fanbase. The program had been struggling to find consistent quarterback play for several years, and many viewed Ewers as the potential savior of the program. Ewers was reunited with head coach Steve Sarkisian, who had previously been the offensive coordinator at Alabama and had developed quarterbacks like Mac Jones and Tua Tagovailoa.
In his first season as the starter for the Longhorns, Ewers showed both promise and growing pains. Texas had a relatively young roster, and Ewers was thrust into the role of leading the offense right away. Despite the team’s ups and downs, Ewers demonstrated why he was considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the country. His arm strength, poise under pressure, and playmaking ability helped Texas win some key games and put them back in the conversation as one of the top programs in the Big 12.
One of the most notable moments of Ewers’ 2022 season was his performance in the win over Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry game. Ewers threw for over 250 yards and two touchdowns, leading Texas to a dominant victory over their archrivals. That performance cemented Ewers as a legitimate star in college football and showed that he had the tools to compete at the highest level.
However, his first year as a starter also featured some challenges. The Longhorns failed to meet their expectations, and Ewers had some inconsistency issues throughout the year. There were flashes of brilliance, but also moments of struggle, especially in games against top-tier opponents. Ewers’ decision-making at times left something to be desired, and he was still refining his ability to process defenses and make quick, accurate reads. Despite these issues, Ewers’ potential remained undeniable.
2023 and Growth as a Leader
Heading into the 2023 season, Ewers was expected to take a significant step forward in his development. Texas had a solid recruiting class, and many believed the Longhorns were poised to make a major push for the Big 12 championship. Ewers entered the year with the goal of proving that he could take over as one of the best quarterbacks in college football.
One of the key areas of focus for Ewers during the 2023 season was improving his decision-making. In 2022, he had shown flashes of brilliance, but also demonstrated the need to improve his consistency. His ability to read defenses, go through his progressions, and make smarter decisions in critical moments was an area that needed attention.
As the 2023 season unfolded, Ewers showed noticeable improvement in these areas. He was more confident in the pocket, more comfortable making quick decisions, and his ability to place the ball accurately on deep throws was more refined. His performance was especially evident in key matchups against strong opponents, where he demonstrated maturity and poise under pressure.
One of the standout moments of 2023 was Ewers’ performance in the season opener against Alabama. Despite being on the road in one of the most hostile environments in college football, Ewers played exceptionally well, helping lead Texas to a narrow victory over the Crimson Tide. This victory propelled Texas into the national spotlight and was a clear indication that Ewers was developing into a true leader.
As the season progressed, Ewers continued to improve, and Texas was once again in the mix for the Big 12 title. Ewers’ leadership and ability to take control of the offense were critical in getting the team to this point, and it was clear that his growth as a player and as a leader was becoming increasingly evident.
Why Declare for the NFL Draft?
As the 2024 season concluded, Ewers faced a pivotal decision: to return to Texas for another year or to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. Ultimately, Ewers chose the latter, signaling that he felt ready for the next stage of his career. The decision was not an easy one, as there were still areas of his game that could be developed, but Ewers and those around him likely felt that he had done enough to warrant entering the draft.
One key factor in his decision to declare early was his impressive physical traits. At 6’2” and 213 pounds, Ewers possesses the ideal size for an NFL quarterback. His arm strength, mobility, and ability to make every throw are qualities that will undoubtedly catch the attention of NFL scouts. Additionally, Ewers’ progression throughout his college career, particularly his improvement in decision-making and leadership, makes him a more well-rounded prospect than when he first entered the college ranks.
Another factor in his decision was the shifting landscape of college football. With NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals becoming increasingly lucrative, some players are now able to capitalize on their college success while also preparing for the professional level. Ewers’ decision to declare for the draft, despite having one more year of eligibility, is part of this evolving trend. Many players now feel that they can maximize their earning potential and long-term career prospects by entering the NFL sooner rather than later.
NFL Projection
As Ewers prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft, his projection is largely dependent on his combine performance and pro day workouts. At the moment, Ewers is widely considered a potential first-round pick, though some analysts believe he could fall into the second or third round if other quarterbacks perform better during pre-draft evaluations.
Ewers’ arm strength and mechanics will likely make him a highly coveted prospect. His ability to throw deep with accuracy, his movement in the pocket, and his poise under pressure are all qualities that will intrigue NFL teams. However, there are still concerns about his consistency and his ability to adapt to the speed and complexity of the NFL game. Ewers will need to prove that he can execute at a high level in a pro-style offense and show that he can continue to develop as a quarterback in the NFL.
Teams in need of a quarterback will closely evaluate Ewers, and his performance at the combine and in individual workouts will be crucial in determining his draft stock. He will likely be viewed as a high-upside prospect who, with the right coaching, could develop into a top-tier NFL quarterback.
