Quinn Ewers, a quarterback for the University of Texas Longhorns, recently made a significant announcement that has reverberated throughout the college football world: he has declared his intention to enter the 2025 NFL Draft. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the career of a player who has been a highly anticipated prospect since his high school days and has experienced a unique, somewhat unconventional path to this juncture in his football journey.
Background and Early Career
Quinn Ewers’ football journey began in Southlake, Texas, where he was a standout quarterback at Southlake Carroll High School. Ewers quickly garnered attention for his incredible arm strength, deep ball accuracy, and natural ability to read defenses. His meteoric rise to stardom led to widespread recognition as one of the top high school quarterbacks in the nation. By the time he finished high school, Ewers was widely regarded as the number one overall recruit in the class of 2022 by major recruiting services like 247Sports and Rivals.
Ewers’ decision to forgo his senior year of high school and enroll early at Ohio State University was a bold move that further set him apart from his peers. His early enrollment in January 2021 at Ohio State was an attempt to get a jumpstart on his college career and learn under one of the nation’s top coaching staffs. However, his time at Ohio State was brief and marked by limited playing time. Despite the immense potential and hype surrounding him, Ewers found himself buried on the depth chart behind established stars like CJ Stroud.
After just one season with Ohio State, Ewers made a surprising move in the 2022 offseason: he transferred to the University of Texas. His decision to leave Ohio State for Texas was motivated by the desire for more immediate playing time, a chance to lead a program that was in the midst of rebuilding, and a connection to Texas’ coaching staff, led by Steve Sarkisian. The decision, though unexpected by some, would prove to be a defining moment in his career.
The Texas Experience
At Texas, Ewers arrived with lofty expectations, not just because of his previous reputation as a top-tier recruit, but also due to the state of the Longhorns’ quarterback position. The team had been searching for a true star under center after struggling in recent seasons. Ewers was thrust into the starting role in 2022, quickly becoming the focal point of the offense.
In his first season with the Longhorns, Ewers faced the typical challenges that come with adapting to a new system and a high level of competition. His performance was a mixed bag—moments of brilliance combined with inconsistent play. Ewers displayed his natural talent, throwing some impressive passes that showcased his deep-ball accuracy and arm strength, but he also had his struggles. He dealt with a few injuries, including a shoulder injury that caused him to miss a few games, and the Texas offense, in general, failed to achieve the kind of consistency expected of a top-tier program. Nevertheless, Ewers’ freshman campaign still provided glimpses of the player he could become with time and development.
Despite the ups and downs in 2022, the Longhorns’ coaching staff remained committed to Ewers, recognizing his vast potential and the upward trajectory of his development. In 2023, with another year of experience under his belt, Ewers had the opportunity to continue his growth as a leader and quarterback for Texas.
In his sophomore season, Ewers showed more consistency, particularly in terms of decision-making and passing accuracy. Under the tutelage of Sarkisian, who is known for his offensive acumen, Ewers began to refine his skills. His command of the offense improved, and his confidence grew as the season progressed. In 2023, Ewers delivered several standout performances that further solidified his status as one of the top quarterbacks in college football.
The Longhorns were poised to make a serious push for the College Football Playoff in 2023, and much of that success hinged on Ewers’ ability to lead the offense. Though Texas fell just short of that ultimate goal, Ewers’ performances were a key factor in his increased recognition as an NFL prospect. The combination of his physical attributes, arm strength, and his ability to make all the necessary throws with accuracy made him a player to watch heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.
Declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft
After a successful 2023 season, Ewers decided that the time had come to make the leap to the next level. With his potential fully realized, his stock among NFL scouts was soaring. The decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft was not made lightly. Ewers faced a crucial decision about whether to return to college for another season or take the next step in his career.
In a statement to the media, Ewers explained his decision to enter the draft, stating that after careful consideration and discussions with his family, coaches, and advisors, he felt it was the right time for him to take the next step. “The opportunity to play in the NFL has always been a dream of mine, and I’m ready to take on the challenge,” Ewers said in his statement. “I want to thank Texas and everyone who has supported me along this journey. It’s been an amazing experience, and I’m looking forward to what’s next.”
From an NFL perspective, Ewers’ decision to declare for the 2025 Draft was not unexpected. He had solidified himself as one of the most talented quarterbacks in the college game, with scouts consistently ranking him among the top quarterbacks for the upcoming draft. His physical tools are undeniable—standing at 6’3” with a strong, durable frame, and possessing a cannon of an arm. His ability to make deep throws and work in both the pocket and on the move made him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking for a franchise quarterback.
Additionally, Ewers’ time at Texas gave him the opportunity to showcase his leadership skills and mental toughness, two key attributes that NFL teams look for in their quarterbacks. His experience playing in high-pressure situations, particularly in big games against top-ranked teams, only added to his value as a prospect.
Ewers’ Strengths and NFL Projection
Quinn Ewers enters the 2025 NFL Draft with a skill set that has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s top quarterbacks. His arm strength is one of his most impressive attributes, allowing him to make throws to all areas of the field with velocity and accuracy. His deep ball is one of the best in college football, and he is able to place the ball on a dime even under duress. This elite arm strength, paired with his fluid mechanics and footwork, makes Ewers a top-tier prospect.
In addition to his physical gifts, Ewers has the ability to make reads and progressions, and he is capable of handling complex offensive systems. His decision-making has improved over the years, and he has shown a willingness to put the team first, something that resonates well with NFL coaches. His poise in the pocket and his ability to navigate pressure are qualities that set him apart from other quarterbacks in this draft class.
However, like all prospects, Ewers is not without his areas of improvement. His consistency in mechanics, particularly when under pressure, still requires refinement. At times, he tends to force throws or rush his progressions, which can lead to turnovers or missed opportunities. His footwork on short-to-intermediate throws can also be a bit inconsistent, something he will need to refine at the next level. Nevertheless, his physical tools give him a high ceiling, and with proper coaching at the NFL level, many believe that Ewers can develop into a top-tier quarterback.
