In the ever-changing world of college football, few things have shifted as dramatically as the influence of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. What was once a strictly amateur endeavor has now become a multi-million dollar industry, with athletes cashing in on their personal brand in ways previously unthinkable. NIL has been a game-changer, particularly when it comes to college recruiting and player movement. Transfers have become a norm, with players seeking better opportunities, playing time, or financial deals elsewhere. However, when it comes to one of the most high-profile quarterbacks in the country—Quinn Ewers of the Texas Longhorns—an NFL veteran recently made a bold statement, declaring that it would be “the dumbest thing ever” for Ewers to transfer for NIL money.
This statement has sparked significant discussion in the college football community. Some believe the NIL deals are driving players to make decisions based on short-term financial gain, while others argue that these opportunities are helping athletes secure their futures. But as Ewers navigates his college career and attempts to lead Texas back to the top, his decision to stay or leave has far more layers than just a paycheck.
Quinn Ewers: The Prodigy Who Took a Non-Traditional Path
Before diving into the larger implications of this conversation, it’s important to understand the journey that has brought Quinn Ewers to this point. Ewers was one of the most highly coveted quarterback prospects in recent history. Coming out of high school in Southlake, Texas, Ewers was a five-star recruit with all the tools to become an elite college quarterback. His arm strength, mobility, and football IQ were off the charts, leading to lofty comparisons to some of the best quarterbacks in recent memory.
Ewers initially committed to the University of Texas but decided to reclassify and graduate early, opting to enroll at Ohio State instead. This decision came with its fair share of challenges, particularly as he navigated an unfamiliar system and a crowded quarterback room at Ohio State. After one season with the Buckeyes, Ewers transferred back to Texas, a decision that was met with both excitement and questions.
At Texas, Ewers has shown flashes of his potential but has faced the usual challenges that come with playing at such a high-profile program. The Longhorns, under head coach Steve Sarkisian, have been in the midst of a rebuild, and while Ewers has certainly played well at times, the team as a whole has not yet reached the national prominence many expected when Ewers returned home.
The Impact of NIL in College Football
Since the introduction of NIL in 2021, college football has been forced to adjust to a new reality. Players now have the opportunity to sign endorsement deals, profit from their social media platforms, and even strike personal business deals, all while still maintaining their eligibility. NIL deals have created a new layer to the recruiting process, where players can choose their schools based not only on coaching staff, facilities, and playing time but also on the financial opportunities available through NIL.
For quarterbacks like Ewers, NIL has the potential to be especially lucrative. Texas is one of the largest media markets in the country, and the Longhorns are one of the most high-profile programs in the sport. Ewers, being a starting quarterback at Texas, is well-positioned to benefit from substantial NIL deals. In fact, he’s already had some impressive endorsements since his arrival at Texas, with some deals reportedly worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
However, it’s not just about the money for Ewers. Many college athletes, especially those who play quarterback at a high-profile program, are faced with the pressure to either stay with their current school or transfer to another one in search of greater opportunities. While NIL money has been a driving force in some of these transfer decisions, Ewers’ situation is different.
The NFL Veteran’s Bold Statement
Recently, NFL veteran and former college football standout, Chris Long, weighed in on the debate surrounding NIL and player transfers. Long, who played for the St. Louis Rams, New England Patriots, and Philadelphia Eagles during his illustrious career, made headlines with his blunt statement regarding Ewers and NIL.
Long described the idea of Ewers transferring solely for NIL money as “the dumbest thing ever.” In his view, it would be shortsighted for Ewers to leave Texas and chase a more lucrative NIL deal elsewhere, especially if it meant leaving a situation where he had a legitimate chance to develop into a future NFL prospect. Long stressed that NIL, while a game-changer in many ways, should not be the driving factor behind a player’s decision to leave a school or program.
Long’s criticism is rooted in the belief that college athletes should prioritize their development and long-term career goals over short-term financial gain. For Ewers, this means staying at Texas and continuing to grow as a player under Sarkisian, a respected offensive mind who has a proven track record of developing quarterbacks. Long argued that if Ewers transferred just for the money, he could jeopardize his future in the NFL, where the ultimate goal for most college football players is to land a lucrative contract and succeed at the professional level.
The Risks of Transferring for NIL Money
While NIL deals have undoubtedly brought financial opportunities to college athletes, they also come with certain risks. For one, the landscape of NIL is still relatively new, and the long-term sustainability of these deals is unclear. Programs with large NIL collectives may offer huge financial incentives to recruits and current players, but the stability of these deals and the companies behind them is still in question.
Furthermore, a player’s long-term development should ideally be the focus during their college years. A quarterback like Ewers needs consistency and the chance to grow within a stable system. Transferring for NIL money could disrupt that development, especially if he moves to a new program where the coaching staff or offensive scheme does not align with his strengths. College football is notoriously unpredictable, and players who make transfers based solely on financial incentives may find themselves in a worse position than they anticipated.
In Ewers’ case, a move to another school could risk throwing off his rhythm and stunting his growth as a player. There’s also the issue of competition—if he transfers to a program where he has to compete for the starting role, it could hurt his draft stock if he doesn’t get the playing time he needs to showcase his talent.
Ewers’ Future at Texas
Looking at Ewers’ situation from a broader perspective, staying at Texas could be the best decision for his career. With the Longhorns’ program on the rise under Sarkisian, Ewers has the opportunity to help lead the team back to national relevance. He’s already shown flashes of his potential, and with another year of development, Ewers could position himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the country.
Sarkisian, known for his ability to develop quarterbacks, has made a significant impact on Ewers’ game, and staying in Texas for the long haul might provide him with the best opportunity to develop both as a player and a person. The Longhorns’ offense is on the upswing, and if Ewers can continue to build chemistry with his teammates and progress under Sarkisian’s tutelage, he could have a legitimate shot at becoming a top NFL draft pick.
Conclusion: Prioritizing the Long-Term Vision
Chris Long’s perspective on Quinn Ewers and the potential pitfalls of transferring for NIL money is a reminder that, in the world of college football, athletes must think about their futures beyond the immediate rewards. While NIL deals are a great benefit for players, they should not overshadow the ultimate goal of making it to the NFL and succeeding at the highest level. For Ewers, staying at Texas and continuing to develop in a system that suits his strengths seems to be the most logical path forward, both in terms of football and his long-term career prospects.
As the landscape of college football continues to evolve with NIL, it’s crucial for players to remember that their decisions today can have lasting consequences. Ewers’ story is still being written, but one thing is clear: if he stays focused on his development and long-term goals, the future is bright, both for him and the Texas Longhorns.