Quinn Ewers Declares for the 2025 NFL Draft After Texas’ CFP Defeat to Ohio State

After a season of ups and downs, culminating in a heartbreaking loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff (CFP), Quinn Ewers has officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, making one of the most pivotal decisions of his football career. The announcement, made shortly after the Longhorns’ tough defeat, marks the end of an era for the University of Texas football program, as Ewers leaves Austin for the professional ranks. With his decision, the highly touted quarterback signals that his time in college football is over and that his next chapter will be in the National Football League.

Ewers’ declaration was not a surprising one, given the trajectory of his career and the expectations surrounding him. Once considered a prodigy, he had a meteoric rise through the high school and college ranks, attracting attention for his impressive arm strength, poise in the pocket, and ability to make every throw on the field. However, his journey was not without challenges and moments of adversity. In this piece, we will take a deep dive into Quinn Ewers’ career, his decision to leave Texas, the ramifications of his draft declaration, and what lies ahead for both him and the Longhorns football program.

The High School Phenomenon

Quinn Ewers’ football journey began in the Lone Star State, where he quickly became one of the most highly anticipated high school quarterbacks in recent memory. As a senior at Southlake Carroll High School, Ewers earned national recognition for his dazzling performances on the field. His arm strength and accuracy were second to none, with many scouts and analysts calling him the best high school quarterback prospect since Trevor Lawrence.

In a recruiting landscape dominated by social media and scouting services, Ewers’ decision to reclassify and enter college early became a headline story. This decision put him on a fast track to college football, where he would eventually land at the University of Texas, joining a program with a rich football history but also a recent history of quarterback struggles. Ewers was expected to be the missing piece for a Longhorns team that had been searching for stability at the quarterback position for years.

A Star-Studded Debut at Texas

Ewers made an immediate impact upon his arrival in Austin. As a true freshman in 2022, he quickly ascended to the starting role, despite a quarterback room that included seasoned veterans and highly rated prospects. His talent was undeniable. His freshman year, however, was a rollercoaster ride. Ewers showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in the early part of the season. A memorable performance against Alabama in Week 2, where he threw for over 200 yards before getting injured, made waves across the college football landscape. Many speculated that had Ewers stayed healthy, Texas might have upset the Crimson Tide on the road.

But as the season progressed, Ewers faced his share of growing pains. He struggled with consistency, which is common for young quarterbacks, but he also showed the maturity and resolve to bounce back after mistakes. The Longhorns’ offense had moments of brilliance, but it often lacked the consistency required to compete at the highest level. Despite the challenges, Ewers’ potential was undeniable, and his status as one of the top quarterbacks in his class remained unchanged.

Ewers’ 2022 season ended with Texas falling short of a playoff berth, but the foundation for a promising future was in place. As the offseason came and went, it became clear that Ewers was poised to lead Texas back to national prominence. But before that could happen, he would have to face a more competitive 2023 season.

2023: A Season of Promise and Struggles

The 2023 season brought high expectations for both Quinn Ewers and the Texas Longhorns. After an offseason of hype and anticipation, Texas entered the year as one of the most talented teams in the country. With a veteran offensive line, an improved running game, and a dynamic receiving corps, the Longhorns were positioned to make a run at the CFP. Ewers was expected to take the next step in his development and lead the offense with maturity and poise.

For much of the season, Ewers lived up to the billing. He showcased a refined skill set, throwing the ball with precision and making all the necessary throws to keep defenses on their heels. Texas was rolling through the regular season, knocking off top-ranked teams and establishing themselves as a legitimate contender for the CFP. Ewers played an integral role in this success, demonstrating both his elite ability to read defenses and his command of the Longhorns’ offense.

However, the road to the CFP was not without obstacles. Injuries and inconsistency plagued Ewers throughout the season. He missed several games due to injury, and even when he was healthy, the team struggled with offensive rhythm at times. Texas’ defeat to Ohio State in the CFP semifinals would be one of the most painful moments of his career, as the team had hoped to make a deeper run in the tournament. Despite the loss, Ewers showed tremendous growth over the course of the season, cementing his place as one of the top quarterbacks in college football.

The CFP Loss to Ohio State

For Quinn Ewers and the Longhorns, the CFP loss to Ohio State was a bitter pill to swallow. After a strong start to the game, Texas faltered in key moments, unable to capitalize on opportunities that would have given them a chance to advance to the national championship. The Buckeyes’ defense proved to be a difficult challenge for Ewers, who was under pressure for much of the second half. Ewers did what he could, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the collective might of Ohio State.

The loss was particularly hard for Ewers, who had hoped to lead his team to the ultimate prize. But as often happens in sports, the nature of the game means that not every season ends in glory, even for those with incredible talent and potential. The defeat stung, but it also served as a turning point for Ewers—one that ultimately led to his decision to declare for the NFL Draft.

Despite the loss, many observers still view Ewers as a first-round talent, with the potential to be a franchise quarterback at the next level. His combination of size, athleticism, and arm strength is highly coveted by NFL scouts, and his performance in 2023 only solidified his status as one of the top quarterbacks in his draft class.

The Decision to Enter the NFL Draft

Quinn Ewers’ decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft is the culmination of a journey that began as a high school phenom and led him to become one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in college football. While some may argue that Ewers could have returned to Texas for another season, the opportunity to test himself at the highest level of football was simply too enticing.

Ewers’ choice reflects both his confidence in his abilities and his belief that he is ready to compete at the professional level. While it’s impossible to predict the future with certainty, many analysts believe that Ewers’ decision is the right one for his career. With his skills and potential, he is likely to hear his name called early in the 2025 NFL Draft, possibly as one of the top quarterbacks off the board.

From a financial perspective, the move to the NFL also makes sense. The potential to earn a lucrative contract and begin his professional career far outweighs the benefits of staying in college for another year. The next step in his journey will be a critical one, and Ewers is poised to make an immediate impact in the NFL, where he can continue to develop his skills and evolve as a quarterback.

The Future of the Texas Longhorns

Ewers’ departure also marks the end of a promising chapter for Texas football. The Longhorns, who have experienced a tumultuous quarterback situation for much of the past decade, will once again face questions at the most important position on the field. While Texas has a talented roster and a deep recruiting class, Ewers’ exit leaves a significant hole that will need to be filled.

The Longhorns will likely look to their recruiting class to find their next star quarterback, with several highly-rated prospects on the horizon. The program is in a strong position to continue its upward trajectory, but it’s clear that Ewers’ presence will be missed. Texas fans will look back on his time in Austin as a period of growth and development, with the hope that the next quarterback will build on the foundation that Ewers helped to lay.

What Lies Ahead for Quinn Ewers

For Quinn Ewers, the road ahead is full of possibilities. He is widely regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft, and many teams in need of a franchise quarterback will likely be in play for his services. His journey is just beginning, and the challenges he faces in the NFL will be much different from those he encountered in college. However, with his talent, determination, and work ethic, there’s little doubt that Ewers has the potential to make an immediate impact at the next level.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on Quinn Ewers. His journey from Texas high school star to NFL prospect has been nothing short of remarkable, and now, the next chapter in his career will begin. Whether he goes on to become an NFL star or faces the inevitable ups and downs of a professional quarterback’s career, one thing is certain: Quinn Ewers’ name will be remembered in college football history as one of the most talented quarterbacks to ever play for the Texas Longhorns.

As for the Longhorns, they will move forward, seeking to build on the legacy left behind by Ewers and continue their quest for national championships. His departure signals the end of one chapter but the beginning of another, both for him and the program. The future is full of promise for Quinn Ewers, and now it’s time for him to prove himself at the next level.