Quinn Ewers’s Best Transfer Portal Options If He Skips the NFL Draft

Quinn Ewers’s Best Transfer Portal Options If He Skips the NFL Draft

The 2024 college football season has been a rollercoaster for Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers. After a tumultuous but often impressive season, Ewers could now face a career-altering decision: enter the 2025 NFL Draft or return to college football for one more season. If the latter is the choice, Ewers would be a highly coveted asset in the transfer portal, given his five-star pedigree, raw talent, and flashes of brilliance throughout his career.

Ewers, who initially transferred to Texas from Ohio State, has shown both his potential and his flaws. He has the arm talent, mobility, and mechanics to make plays at the highest level, but inconsistencies have hindered his development. If Ewers were to return to college for another season, he would have the opportunity to refine his game, improve his draft stock, and take on a leadership role for whichever program he chooses. Below, we’ll explore the best transfer portal options for Quinn Ewers, considering factors like program fit, coaching, and potential for immediate success.

1. Alabama Crimson Tide: A Championship-Caliber Opportunity

Alabama, under head coach Nick Saban, has been a perennial powerhouse, and the Crimson Tide are a natural fit for Ewers if he chooses to transfer. With a long history of developing quarterbacks into NFL stars, Alabama would offer him an ideal opportunity to showcase his talent on the national stage, in an offense tailored to his strengths.

Why It Makes Sense for Ewers:

• Quarterback Development: Under Saban and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, Alabama has produced some of the best quarterbacks in recent years, including Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Bryce Young. Rees’ offensive scheme would allow Ewers to make use of his strong arm while also developing his ability to read defenses and make quicker decisions.
• Elite Talent Around Him: Alabama boasts one of the most talented rosters in college football, including high-level receivers, offensive line play, and a powerful running game. Ewers would not only have a top-tier supporting cast but would be playing in an offense that can highlight his ability to stretch the field with his arm.
• Playoff and National Championship Potential: Alabama is always a contender for the College Football Playoff and national championships. A year at Alabama could solidify Ewers’ legacy and give him the chance to play in high-stakes games, something that would undoubtedly enhance his draft stock.

Challenges:

• The Crimson Tide have had some instability at quarterback in recent seasons, with Jalen Milroe and others battling for the starting spot. Ewers would need to win a competitive battle, but given his experience, he could be the favorite if he transferred.

2. USC Trojans: A High-Flying Offense to Showcase Ewers’ Talent

If Ewers is looking to play in an offense that maximizes his arm strength and deep-ball accuracy, USC under Lincoln Riley would be an ideal destination. Riley has a reputation for developing quarterbacks with big arms and high potential, as evidenced by his work with Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Caleb Williams, the latter of whom will likely be the top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Why It Makes Sense for Ewers:

• Offensive Scheme: Riley’s high-powered passing offense is known for allowing quarterbacks to take deep shots down the field, which is where Ewers excels. If Ewers wanted to maximize his potential as a deep-ball thrower and big-play generator, USC would provide him with a system that allows him to do so.
• Top-tier Coaching: Lincoln Riley is considered one of the best offensive minds in college football. He has consistently developed quarterbacks who went on to become top NFL draft picks. Under Riley’s guidance, Ewers could elevate his game significantly, especially in the areas of decision-making, accuracy, and leadership.
• Big-Stage Exposure: USC is consistently a contender for the Pac-12 title and has a strong history of making the College Football Playoff. Ewers would have the chance to play in marquee games, including matchups with top Pac-12 teams and potentially a spot in the Playoff, which would boost his national visibility.

Challenges:

• USC already has talented quarterbacks on the roster, including rising star Malachi Nelson. While Ewers could step in as a starter, he would likely face significant competition. The advantage, however, is that he has more experience and could potentially fit right into the Trojans’ high-octane system.

3. Florida State Seminoles: A Strong Program with Championship Aspirations

Florida State has re-emerged as a national contender under head coach Mike Norvell. The Seminoles have the talent to compete at a high level in the ACC, and their solid quarterback play over the past few seasons has elevated their program. A transfer to Florida State could allow Ewers to take over a team with national title aspirations, while benefiting from a coaching staff that has demonstrated the ability to develop quarterbacks.

Why It Makes Sense for Ewers:

• Program Stability: Florida State is on the rise, and Ewers would be joining a team that is firmly in the championship conversation. With Heisman Trophy contender Jordan Travis departing, the starting quarterback job would be up for grabs. Ewers could step into a leadership role and immediately have a chance to make an impact.
• Balance on Offense: The Seminoles have a balanced offensive attack with a solid offensive line and one of the top running games in the country. This would allow Ewers to focus on developing as a passer while relying on a ground game to take pressure off him.
• Developing the NFL-Ready QB: Florida State has produced a number of NFL-caliber quarterbacks, and their coaching staff has a good track record of developing players into high-level professionals. Under Norvell, Ewers could improve his fundamentals and readiness for the NFL draft in 2025.

Challenges:

• Florida State’s offense is more balanced, so Ewers may not have the same type of pass-heavy system that he might get elsewhere. However, this could benefit him by allowing him to work on all aspects of his game, particularly his decision-making under pressure.

4. Michigan Wolverines: A Championship-Caliber Program with a Proven Track Record

Michigan, led by head coach Jim Harbaugh, is another intriguing option for Ewers. The Wolverines have become one of the top teams in the Big Ten, and with strong quarterback play, they have reached the College Football Playoff in recent seasons. Harbaugh is known for his development of quarterbacks, particularly in building a strong, well-rounded offense.

Why It Makes Sense for Ewers:

• Proven Coaching: Jim Harbaugh has a strong track record of developing quarterbacks for the NFL, including former first-round pick Andrew Luck at Stanford and current starter J.J. McCarthy at Michigan. Harbaugh’s offensive system values precision and efficiency, and Ewers could benefit from his mentorship to take his game to the next level.
• Competitive Environment: Michigan is a top contender in the Big Ten, and Ewers would have the chance to play in high-profile games, including annual matchups against Ohio State, a rivalry that holds national attention. A successful season at Michigan could put Ewers in the Heisman conversation and improve his NFL draft stock.
• Great Talent Around Him: Michigan has an elite offensive line and a strong running game, which would give Ewers time in the pocket and balance the offense. This setup could help Ewers thrive without having to carry the entire team on his shoulders.

Challenges:

• Michigan’s offense tends to be more conservative and run-heavy. While this could help Ewers develop his decision-making and efficiency, it might not allow him to fully showcase his arm strength and deep-ball accuracy in the same way a pass-heavy system would.

5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: An Elite Program with Immediate Impact Potential

Notre Dame is another powerhouse program that could make sense for Ewers if he decides to transfer. Head coach Marcus Freeman has brought new life to the program, and Notre Dame has the tradition, resources, and coaching staff to develop players into NFL-caliber talent. With a need for a dynamic quarterback, Ewers could step in and immediately become the leader of the Fighting Irish.

Why It Makes Sense for Ewers:

• Quarterback Development: Notre Dame has had success with quarterbacks like Ian Book, who went on to have a solid NFL career. Freeman and offensive coordinator Gerad Parker would provide Ewers with a stable system to develop his game further.
• Elite Talent Around Him: Notre Dame always recruits top talent, particularly in the trenches. With a strong offensive line and a deep group of playmakers, Ewers would be supported by a well-rounded team that could allow him to showcase his abilities.
• National Exposure: Notre Dame is a perennial contender and regularly plays in high-profile bowl games. With a competitive schedule, including matchups against top-tier programs, Ewers would have ample opportunity to play in front of national audiences.

Challenges:

• Notre Dame’s offense, while balanced, may not be as wide-open as some of the other systems that Ewers would excel in. However, the opportunity to develop under Freeman’s tutelage and lead a team with championship aspirations could be enticing.