Quinn Ewers, the talented quarterback at the University of Texas, is currently facing one of the most important decisions of his young football career: Should he stay at Texas for another season or declare for the NFL Draft? His decision is compounded by the rising star of Arch Manning, the highly touted freshman who is already garnering attention as the future face of Texas football. For Ewers, a quarterback with undeniable talent and potential, the choices before him are both enticing and daunting. He must carefully weigh his options as he considers both his development and his long-term career in the NFL.
Ewers’ decision to leave Ohio State and transfer to Texas in 2022 was a highly publicized one. As a former No. 1 overall recruit in the 2021 class, Ewers had high expectations placed upon him when he enrolled at Ohio State. But after a year as a backup and a brief stint at Texas, it became clear that he had the tools to lead a major program. Now, after two seasons at Texas, his future in Austin is no longer certain, especially with the emergence of Manning as a potential successor. As Ewers weighs his future, the looming question remains: should he stay in college for another year and further develop his skills, or should he take the leap and pursue his NFL dreams?
The Case for Staying at Texas
The most immediate factor in Ewers’ decision is his development as a quarterback. Though he has shown flashes of brilliance at Texas, his game remains a work in progress. This past season, Ewers displayed his strong arm, impressive mobility, and leadership ability, but inconsistency has been an issue. His ability to process defenses quickly and make accurate throws under pressure has been spotty at times, something that could be polished with more time in college football.
The Texas coaching staff, led by Steve Sarkisian, has been working diligently to help Ewers refine his mechanics and his decision-making. Sarkisian is a respected offensive mind with a track record of developing quarterbacks, including NFL stars like Matt Leinart, Tua Tagovailoa, and Mac Jones. Under Sarkisian’s tutelage, Ewers could continue to evolve as a quarterback, becoming a more well-rounded player and addressing the areas of his game that still need improvement.
Moreover, the Texas program is on the rise. With Arch Manning’s arrival in 2023, the Longhorns are expected to be a contender in the Big 12 and beyond. However, Manning’s development will likely take time, and while the media attention surrounding his name is intense, it’s important to note that he is a true freshman. While Manning’s future looks bright, Ewers can still be the face of Texas football for another year, potentially leading the team to a conference title and further building his NFL stock. Another successful season could bolster his résumé, making him an even more appealing prospect for NFL scouts.
Additionally, Ewers could take advantage of the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities in college football, which have become increasingly lucrative for star players. Texas, as one of the most high-profile programs in the country, provides a platform where Ewers could benefit significantly from NIL deals, making a potential second year at Texas financially appealing, especially if he chooses to stay for one final season.
The Case for Declaring for the NFL Draft
On the flip side, Ewers is entering a critical stage of his career where the opportunity to turn pro may be too enticing to pass up. While he may still have room to grow, Ewers is already a highly talented quarterback with undeniable raw potential. NFL teams are always on the lookout for quarterbacks who possess a strong arm, athleticism, and the ability to make dynamic plays in the pocket—and Ewers checks all those boxes.
There are several factors that could push Ewers toward entering the NFL Draft early. First, the NFL is often a meritocracy, and quarterbacks with the physical tools that Ewers possesses are highly coveted. His ability to throw the ball with velocity, combined with his ability to extend plays with his legs, makes him an intriguing prospect. Even though his college resume may not be fully polished, Ewers could still receive significant interest from NFL teams looking for a potential franchise quarterback.
Additionally, the upcoming NFL Draft class is not as stacked with top-tier quarterbacks as in years past, which could work in Ewers’ favor. Teams in need of a quarterback might be more inclined to take a chance on Ewers, betting on his untapped potential. With no clear-cut consensus No. 1 overall pick at quarterback, Ewers could position himself as a top selection if he declares, especially if his workout metrics and interviews impress NFL scouts.
While leaving college early is always a risky proposition, the financial rewards of entering the NFL Draft are substantial. Ewers has the chance to secure a multi-million-dollar contract, something that could set him up for life, even if his NFL journey takes time to fully develop. The longer Ewers stays in college, the longer he delays his entry into the pro ranks, and with the rise of Arch Manning, there’s no guarantee that Ewers will retain his starting role at Texas. Manning, as a player with elite pedigree and potential, will eventually be the face of the program, and Ewers might find himself fighting for his position with a future star already on the roster.
The Arch Manning Factor
Perhaps the most compelling element of Ewers’ decision is the presence of Arch Manning, who is already viewed as the next great quarterback at Texas. As the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch Manning enters Texas with massive expectations. The Manning name alone brings a level of prestige, and his skills as a quarterback are widely regarded as exceptional. While Manning’s college career is still in its infancy, his potential is undeniable, and his rise will certainly add pressure to Ewers’ decision.
If Ewers stays at Texas for another year, he could find himself in a competition for the starting job with Manning down the road. While Ewers is still the incumbent starter, the prospect of Manning overtaking him eventually is a real one. If Ewers stays and performs well, he could still position himself as an NFL draft pick after a successful senior season. However, if he chooses to stay, there’s a risk that his time in Austin could be limited, especially if Manning is able to grasp the starting role sooner rather than later.
For Ewers, the decision of whether to stay or leave is not simply about his development as a quarterback—it’s also about his future within the Texas program. With Manning’s arrival, Ewers may feel a sense of urgency to declare for the NFL Draft now rather than risk being overshadowed by the next big thing. The presence of Manning could influence Ewers to pursue his professional dreams earlier than he might have originally intended.
Conclusion: A Career-Defining Decision
Ultimately, Quinn Ewers’ decision to stay at Texas or enter the NFL Draft is a career-defining moment. He has the potential to be an NFL quarterback, but his development in college will play a significant role in his draft prospects. Texas, under Sarkisian, is a program that can offer Ewers the chance to continue growing as a quarterback, potentially leading the Longhorns to a successful season before he moves on to the NFL.
However, with Arch Manning’s arrival and the allure of the NFL Draft, Ewers may feel that the time has come to make the leap to the next level. Whatever decision Ewers makes, it will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on both his career and the future of Texas football. It’s a choice that will shape his legacy, and one that will be watched closely by college football fans and NFL scouts alike.