How much money did Quinn Ewers lose by not returning for NIL in college football, sliding in 2025 NFL Draft?
Quinn Ewers’ decision to forgo his senior season at the University of Texas and declare for the 2025 NFL Draft has been a topic of considerable discussion. While the allure of the NFL is undeniable, this move has had significant financial implications, particularly concerning his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) earnings. In this analysis, we will explore how much money Ewers potentially lost by not returning to college football for another season. (Texas Longhorns Star Quinn Ewers Lands Another Major NIL Deal)
NIL Earnings at Texas
Since the NCAA’s introduction of NIL rights in 2021, Ewers has capitalized on his status as a top quarterback prospect. His NIL valuation reached approximately $1.7 million, placing him among the highest-earning college athletes . Notable deals include: (Texas Longhorns Star Quinn Ewers Lands Another Major NIL Deal)
- Rhoback Apparel: A six-figure deal making him a prominent face in their “Earn It” campaign. (Superstar Texas QB Quinn Ewers Signs Historic Six-Figure NIL deal)
- EA Sports: Featured on the cover of College Football 25, reportedly valued over $200,000. (Texas Longhorns Star Quinn Ewers Lands Another Major NIL Deal)
- Hulu: Appearance in a national commercial, further enhancing his visibility and brand value .
These endorsements not only provided substantial income but also solidified his status as a marketable athlete.
Potential NIL Earnings for a Senior Season
Had Ewers chosen to return for his senior year, he could have anticipated continued and possibly increased NIL opportunities. Given his established brand and the growing interest in college athletes, it’s reasonable to estimate that his NIL earnings could have risen to approximately $2 million for the 2024–2025 academic year. This projection considers:
- Increased Brand Value: A successful senior season would likely enhance his marketability.
- Expanded Endorsement Opportunities: Companies often seek to partner with high-performing athletes, potentially leading to new deals.
- Media Exposure: A prominent college football season would increase his visibility, attracting more lucrative deals.
Therefore, by not returning, Ewers potentially forfeited an additional $2 million in NIL earnings.
NFL Draft Earnings
Ewers’ decision to enter the 2025 NFL Draft resulted in being selected in the later rounds. Reports indicate that he was drafted in the fourth round, with rookie contracts in this range averaging between $1.3 million and $1.6 million over four years . This is a significant decrease compared to the potential NIL earnings he could have secured by staying in college. (Quinn Ewers 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Profile)
Comparative Analysis
| Scenario | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| Senior Season NIL | $2,000,000 |
| NFL Rookie Contract | $1,400,000 |
| Difference | -$600,000 |
This comparison highlights that Ewers’ decision to enter the NFL Draft resulted in a net loss of approximately $600,000 in potential earnings.
Quinn Ewers’ choice to forgo his senior season at Texas and declare for the 2025 NFL Draft has had notable financial implications. While the allure of the NFL is strong, this decision led to a significant reduction in potential earnings, both from NIL deals and the difference in rookie contract value. This analysis underscores the complex financial considerations that college athletes must weigh when deciding between returning for another season or turning professional.
