After the NFL Draft, Paul Finebaum criticizes Quinn Ewers, saying, “He let his ego get in the way.”

In the world of college football, few voices are as influential and recognizable as Paul Finebaum, the host of the Paul Finebaum Show and a fixture of ESPN’s SEC Network. Known for his candid and often controversial opinions, Finebaum has built a reputation as someone who doesn’t hesitate to speak his mind, regardless of the consequences.

Recently, Finebaum made headlines for his pointed criticism of Quinn Ewers, the Texas Longhorns’ quarterback who was expected to be one of the top prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft. However, after Ewers’ performance in his final season at Texas and his subsequent draft evaluation, Finebaum took to the airwaves with a harsh critique of the young quarterback, accusing him of allowing his ego to negatively impact his career trajectory.

Finebaum’s comments have sparked a wide range of reactions, from supporters who agree with his assessment to fans and analysts who argue that the quarterback’s future is still bright despite the setbacks. The criticism has raised important questions about Ewers’ development, the pressure placed on young quarterbacks, and the ways in which ego can sometimes cloud judgment in a profession where humility and growth are crucial.

In this article, we will explore Finebaum’s comments in depth, examine Quinn Ewers’ career, and analyze the broader implications of Finebaum’s criticism on both the quarterback’s future and the culture of college football.

Paul Finebaum’s Criticism of Quinn Ewers

The controversy surrounding Finebaum’s remarks began when he discussed Quinn Ewers’s draft stock and overall performance on ESPN’s College Football Live segment. Ewers, a former highly-touted recruit who had transferred to Texas after starting his college career at Ohio State, was expected to be one of the top quarterbacks in the country. He had all the tools: a cannon for an arm, size, athleticism, and the pedigree of a former 5-star recruit. However, his time at Texas has been marked by inconsistency and struggles, leading many to question whether he was truly ready for the NFL.

Finebaum didn’t mince words in his assessment of Ewers. He said:

“Quinn Ewers had a golden opportunity at Texas, and he had all the tools to be great, but he let his ego get in the way. When you have all the talent in the world, but you don’t put the work in to match that talent, you’re only going to disappoint. We saw flashes of greatness, but also a lot of inconsistency. His decision-making was poor at times, and his inability to stay focused cost him.”

For Finebaum, it wasn’t just about Ewers’ play on the field but his mentality off of it. The quarterback’s perceived arrogance and lack of growth in areas where he needed improvement were, according to Finebaum, significant barriers to his development. The phrase “let his ego get in the way” alludes to the idea that Ewers might have been too confident in his natural abilities and didn’t fully commit to refining the aspects of his game that were lacking, which ultimately hindered his potential as both a college player and a future NFL draft pick.

Quinn Ewers’ College Career: A Journey Marked by Promise and Frustration

To fully understand Finebaum’s comments, it’s important to take a look at Quinn Ewers’ college football journey and how it unfolded. Ewers was a 5-star recruit and one of the most highly anticipated quarterbacks in recent memory. His high school career at Southlake Carroll in Texas was stellar, and he was widely considered a once-in-a-generation talent. After committing to Ohio State, Ewers spent a brief year with the Buckeyes, backing up C.J. Stroud, before deciding to transfer to Texas.

At Texas, the expectations were sky-high. With a revamped program under head coach Steve Sarkisian, Texas hoped that Ewers would be the quarterback who could return the Longhorns to national relevance. Early on, there were signs of brilliance. In his first few games as a starter, Ewers displayed flashes of why he was so highly regarded. He had a strong arm, good mobility, and the ability to make difficult throws look effortless. However, as the season wore on, the inconsistencies began to surface.

Ewers often struggled with accuracy, particularly on deep throws, and had difficulty adjusting to different defensive schemes. His decision-making at times left much to be desired, with the quarterback often forcing throws into tight windows or holding onto the ball too long, leading to sacks and turnovers. While he showed growth at times, the peaks were often followed by valleys, making it difficult to get a true sense of where his ceiling might lie.

The most glaring issue, however, was his inability to consistently take over games. Texas, a program with a rich history and immense resources, had hoped that Ewers would be the player to guide them back to the upper echelons of college football. Yet, despite his potential, the Longhorns remained a program in flux, falling short in several key games that could have defined their season.

The Role of Ego in Ewers’ Development

Finebaum’s criticism centers around the notion that ego played a significant role in Ewers’ inability to reach his potential. Ego, in this context, refers to both a quarterback’s sense of confidence and his tendency to rely too heavily on his natural talent without putting in the necessary work to improve in areas where he is lacking.

Ewers’ background as a 5-star recruit and the hype surrounding his potential likely led to significant pressure, both from external sources and within himself. The high expectations placed on Ewers from an early age could have created a sense of entitlement or overconfidence. As a result, there might have been moments when he relied more on his arm strength and physical tools than on developing a nuanced understanding of the game, such as reading defenses or improving his mechanics. This, according to Finebaum, is where Ewers faltered.

In a sport as competitive and demanding as college football, there is no room for complacency. The best quarterbacks are not just physically gifted but are also committed to constantly refining their craft. Finebaum argues that Ewers, at times, showed a lack of that dedication. Instead of putting in the necessary work to address his weaknesses, Ewers may have assumed that his natural ability would carry him through. Finebaum’s criticism, in this sense, is a reminder that ego, while important for confidence, can be a dangerous obstacle if it prevents players from doing the hard work required to reach their full potential.

The NFL Draft and Ewers’ Future

Ewers declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, hoping that his time at Texas would be enough to convince scouts of his potential at the next level. However, after a somewhat underwhelming college career, his draft stock took a hit. Ewers was no longer viewed as a surefire first-round pick but instead a project who would need time to develop at the NFL level.

While some analysts still believe Ewers has the physical tools to succeed, his performance at Texas left questions about his readiness to take the leap to the professional ranks. This is where Finebaum’s commentary becomes especially relevant. The draft is not only about raw talent but also about a player’s ability to adjust, improve, and handle the pressure of competing at the highest level.

If Ewers is to find success in the NFL, he will need to prove that he can put his ego aside and commit to learning and growing. The league is littered with talented quarterbacks who didn’t have the same amount of natural ability as Ewers but succeeded because they worked tirelessly to improve every aspect of their game. If Ewers’ ego continues to hinder his growth, his transition to the NFL could be rocky.

The Broader Implications of Finebaum’s Criticism

Finebaum’s remarks about Ewers are not just a commentary on the quarterback himself but also on the larger issues facing college football. The world of college football is one of immense pressure, where expectations often collide with the reality of player development. Coaches, fans, and media alike can sometimes place so much emphasis on a player’s talent and potential that it overshadows the work ethic and character required to truly succeed.

Ewers’ story is a cautionary tale for future college football stars. While talent is undeniably important, it’s equally essential to put in the work to develop a complete game. Ego, if left unchecked, can prevent players from fully realizing their potential. In a world where success is measured in championships, Heisman trophies, and high draft picks, the importance of humility, growth, and dedication cannot be overstated.

For Ewers, the next phase of his career will likely be defined by how he responds to this criticism. Will he take Finebaum’s words to heart and work tirelessly to improve? Or will he let his ego continue to stand in the way of his growth? Only time will tell.

Paul Finebaum’s criticism of Quinn Ewers as someone who “let his ego get in the way” might seem harsh, but it provides valuable insight into the pressures of college football and the challenges faced by top-tier quarterbacks. Ewers’ career is far from over, and his NFL future remains a possibility if he can evolve as both a player and a person. The question, however, is whether he will embrace the hard work and humility required to fulfill his potential.

As Finebaum’s comments continue to echo across the college football landscape, Ewers must decide whether he will heed the advice and prove the critics wrong. The next few years of his career could define whether he’s remembered as a highly talented player who didn’t live up to expectations or a quarterback who overcame the odds to achieve greatness.