Quinn Ewers, quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft.

The journey of Quinn Ewers, the highly touted quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, has been one filled with promise, setbacks, and ultimate redemption. As he now sets his sights on the 2025 NFL Draft, Ewers’ decision to declare marks the culmination of an eventful college career that began with high expectations and continues to show immense potential.

Ewers, a former five-star recruit out of Southlake Carroll High School in Texas, quickly became one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in the nation. His arrival at Texas and subsequent rise as the team’s starting quarterback helped reinvigorate the Longhorns’ program and brought a new level of hope for fans of one of college football’s most storied programs. Now, with a future in the NFL on the horizon, it’s time to look back at his journey—from his early years as a prodigious talent to his decision to leave college early and pursue his professional dreams.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Ewers’ college career, his decision to enter the NFL Draft, and the implications of that decision on both his future and the Texas football program.

The Rise of Quinn Ewers: A Texas High School Star

Before Ewers ever stepped foot on the field for the Texas Longhorns, his name was already well-known among football scouts, analysts, and fans alike. Coming out of Southlake Carroll High School, located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Ewers was the consensus No. 1 quarterback in the nation for the class of 2022. With his combination of elite arm strength, mobility, and natural passing mechanics, Ewers was seen as a generational talent—a player capable of changing the trajectory of any college football program fortunate enough to land him.

Ewers’ high school career was nothing short of spectacular. During his time at Southlake Carroll, he shattered school records and led the team to multiple playoff appearances, including a state championship. His strong arm, combined with a poised demeanor in the pocket, quickly earned him national recognition. His ability to throw deep passes with accuracy and his natural leadership qualities made him one of the most coveted recruits in recent memory.

This level of success on the field led to Ewers receiving an offer from the University of Texas—a prestigious program in desperate need of a quarterback who could lead them back to national prominence. Texas, which has a rich football history and consistently attracts top-tier talent, immediately became the frontrunner in the recruiting process. The Longhorns’ coaching staff, led by head coach Steve Sarkisian, recognized Ewers’ potential and pushed hard to bring him to Austin.

As one of the most highly regarded recruits in Texas football history, Ewers committed to the Longhorns in December 2020.

The Decision to Reclassify: A Bold Move

Rather than spend another year in high school, Ewers made a bold decision: he opted to reclassify into the 2021 class and forgo his senior year at Southlake Carroll. This decision, while controversial at the time, was a reflection of his belief in his ability to immediately make an impact at the college level. The move was a gamble, one that ultimately paid off, but not without its fair share of challenges.

By reclassifying, Ewers became eligible to enroll at Texas a year earlier than originally planned. His decision to skip his senior year of high school and head straight to college football raised some eyebrows, but his potential was undeniable. Many viewed Ewers as a future first-round pick, and as he joined the Longhorns, expectations were sky-high.

The Texas Longhorns: Expectations, Setbacks, and Growth

When Ewers first arrived in Austin, he was greeted with high expectations, and it wasn’t long before he earned the starting quarterback job for the 2022 season. His skill set was undeniable, but transitioning from high school to the college game—especially playing for a program as storied as Texas—was a steep learning curve.

The 2022 season began with promise. Ewers showcased glimpses of his incredible potential during the season opener against Louisiana-Monroe, throwing for 225 yards and 2 touchdowns. His arm strength was evident from the get-go, as he completed deep throws with ease. However, it was in the second game of the season, against Alabama, where Ewers truly captured the attention of the college football world. In a primetime matchup, Ewers was exceptional, going 9-for-12 for 134 yards and 1 touchdown before being forced to leave the game with a shoulder injury after a brutal hit.

This injury, unfortunately, derailed what had been a promising start to the season. Ewers missed several weeks of action, and in his absence, Texas relied on backup quarterbacks to keep the team afloat. Ewers returned to the field later in the season, but the injury had disrupted his development, and it took time for him to regain his form. As a result, the Longhorns finished the 2022 season with a 8-5 record, a disappointing outcome for a team with high hopes entering the season.

Despite the setbacks, Ewers showed enough flashes of brilliance to justify the hype surrounding him. He finished the season with 2,177 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions, displaying impressive arm strength and the ability to make difficult throws. However, he also showed some inconsistency and had difficulty at times with decision-making and reading defenses, issues that were to be expected from a young quarterback making the leap to the college level.

A Strong 2023 Season: Redemption and Growth

While Ewers’ freshman year was marked by injury and inconsistency, he entered the 2023 season with a renewed sense of purpose. Texas had one of its most talented rosters in years, and the pressure was on Ewers to lead them back to prominence in the Big 12 and make a serious push for the College Football Playoff.

In his second season, Ewers came into his own as a leader. His play improved as the season progressed, and his confidence grew. He showed poise in the pocket, better decision-making, and the ability to perform under pressure. Texas finished the season with a 12-1 record, winning the Big 12 Championship and earning a spot in a New Year’s Six bowl game.

Ewers’ final stats for the 2023 season were impressive, as he threw for 3,259 yards, 28 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions, demonstrating significant growth and maturity as a player. His deep ball became a major weapon in Texas’ offense, and he showed a more refined understanding of the game. He also led the team to a dominating victory over Alabama in a rematch, a performance that helped validate his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the country.

The Decision to Declare for the 2025 NFL Draft

After two years at Texas, Quinn Ewers decided that it was time to make the leap to the professional ranks and declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. This decision, while difficult, is not a surprising one. Ewers has always been viewed as a future NFL talent, and his time at Texas has only solidified that belief. His development under coach Steve Sarkisian has been impressive, and after a successful sophomore campaign, it was clear that Ewers had the physical tools to compete at the next level.

The decision to declare for the draft comes at a time when quarterbacks are in high demand in the NFL. With his physical attributes—standing at 6’2″ and possessing a powerful arm—Ewers is expected to be one of the top quarterbacks available in the 2025 draft. His ability to make all the throws, combined with his football IQ and leadership qualities, makes him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams in need of a franchise quarterback.

What’s Next for Quinn Ewers?

As Quinn Ewers enters the NFL Draft process, there are several factors that will influence his draft stock. One of the most important elements will be his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine and his individual pro day workouts. These events will allow him to showcase his physical skills in front of NFL scouts and team executives. Ewers’ ability to impress with his arm strength, mobility, and mental acuity will be crucial in determining his placement in the draft.

Another important factor will be his interviews and interactions with teams. NFL teams will want to get a sense of Ewers’ leadership abilities, work ethic, and mental toughness—qualities that often play a significant role in the success of young quarterbacks. If Ewers can demonstrate his ability to handle the pressures of the NFL and his dedication to improving, he could end up being a top draft pick.