The 2024 college football season has been filled with dramatic twists and turns, but one of the most consequential moments came after the Texas Longhorns’ loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff (CFP) bracket. Following the defeat, quarterback Quinn Ewers made the monumental decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. This move comes after a season that saw both triumph and frustration for the talented signal-caller, who had shown flashes of brilliance but struggled to lead his team to the ultimate prize in college football. As the Longhorns’ season ended in disappointment, Ewers’ announcement marked the beginning of a new chapter in his football career, one that has left fans, scouts, and analysts alike wondering what the future holds for the young quarterback.
The End of an Era for Quinn Ewers at Texas
Ewers’ decision to declare for the NFL Draft was not entirely unexpected, but it still sent shockwaves through the college football world. The 2024 season had high expectations for both Ewers and Texas, who entered the year with hopes of securing a spot in the College Football Playoff and potentially winning the national championship. Ewers, in particular, was seen as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation, coming off a strong 2023 campaign and a standout high school career that made him one of the most highly regarded recruits in recent memory.
However, Texas’ loss to Ohio State in the CFP bracket was a tough pill to swallow for Ewers and the Longhorns. Despite a strong performance throughout the season, the loss in the playoff effectively ended their hopes of capturing the championship. For Ewers, the loss to a fellow powerhouse in Ohio State, a team with its own quarterback prodigy in Kyle McCord, highlighted the gap that still existed between Texas and the nation’s elite teams. The Longhorns were competitive, but they fell short when it mattered most.
For Ewers, the defeat was a sobering moment in a career that has been full of promise but also marred by inconsistency. After a highly anticipated move from Ohio State to Texas in 2022, Ewers had yet to lead the Longhorns to the kind of success that many expected. The loss to Ohio State in the CFP bracket seemed to crystallize the challenges Ewers faced in completing his college career on a high note.
Why Quinn Ewers Declared for the NFL Draft
In the wake of Texas’ exit from the College Football Playoff, Ewers made the decision to forgo his remaining eligibility and declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. The decision to leave college early is one that many athletes face, especially when their draft stock is at its peak. For Ewers, this was a choice that seemed to align with both his long-term goals and his current position in the college football landscape.
1. NFL Draft Stock and Development
Ewers’ decision to declare for the draft can be viewed through the lens of his NFL potential. The 2024 season, while full of ups and downs, highlighted his skill set: a powerful arm, the ability to make all the throws, and flashes of elite playmaking ability. However, it also revealed some weaknesses, such as inconsistency with accuracy, decision-making under pressure, and leadership during critical moments. Still, many NFL scouts believe Ewers has the raw talent to develop into a starting quarterback at the next level, and his decision to enter the draft reflects confidence that he is ready for that challenge.
NFL teams are always on the lookout for quarterbacks with immense potential, and Ewers has that in spades. The right developmental system could be the perfect place for him to refine his game, and entering the 2025 NFL Draft gives him the opportunity to start that journey sooner rather than later.
2. A Competitive Quarterback Class in 2025
One of the driving factors behind Ewers’ decision is the competitive nature of the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft class. While the 2024 quarterback class is led by a strong group of prospects, including players like Caleb Williams (USC) and Drake Maye (North Carolina), Ewers may feel that the 2025 draft class offers a more favorable opportunity to compete for a higher selection.
With several NFL teams expected to be in the market for a quarterback in 2025, the decision to declare for that draft gives Ewers the opportunity to enter a potentially less crowded pool. If he can perform well in the draft process—during the Senior Bowl, combine, and private workouts—Ewers could see his stock rise significantly, especially if he lands with a team in need of a quarterback with his skill set.
3. The Appeal of the NFL
For many college players, the ultimate goal is to make it to the NFL. For Ewers, it seems clear that the allure of the professional game and the opportunity to compete at the highest level of football played a significant role in his decision. After a turbulent college career, the chance to enter the NFL and begin working with top-level coaches and players is likely a compelling prospect.
In addition to the professional challenges, the financial rewards of playing in the NFL can be enticing. For a quarterback with as much potential as Ewers, the 2025 NFL Draft could be an opportunity to secure a lucrative contract and begin the next phase of his career. Many athletes choose to make the jump to the NFL when they believe they’ve reached the peak of their college careers, and for Ewers, it appears that time has come.
Looking Back at Ewers’ Time at Texas
Quinn Ewers’ tenure at Texas has been a rollercoaster ride, one filled with highs and lows. After transferring from Ohio State in 2022, expectations for Ewers were sky-high. The quarterback, who had been a highly touted recruit and was seen as one of the top young quarterbacks in the country, was expected to take Texas back to its former glory.
While Ewers displayed flashes of brilliance, including some dazzling performances in big games, his time at Texas was marked by inconsistency. The 2023 season showed promise, with Ewers displaying the kind of playmaking ability that made him one of the top recruits in the nation. But injuries, inaccuracy, and occasional struggles with decision-making kept him from taking his game to the next level.
In 2024, Ewers was once again expected to elevate Texas to championship contention, but despite strong performances, the Longhorns’ loss to Ohio State in the CFP bracket ultimately proved to be a disappointment. Ewers had a solid season but was unable to put the team on his back when it counted. Despite the setback, the decision to declare for the NFL Draft could still be seen as a natural progression for a quarterback of his caliber.
What’s Next for Quinn Ewers?
As Quinn Ewers transitions to the 2025 NFL Draft, there will be plenty of eyes on him as he prepares for the next chapter of his career. While his college career didn’t culminate in a national title or a Heisman Trophy, his immense talent still makes him one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in the upcoming draft class.
Ewers will likely take part in the traditional pre-draft evaluations, including the Senior Bowl, NFL Scouting Combine, and individual team workouts. These events will be crucial for Ewers to prove that his potential can be realized in the NFL. With the right coaching, Ewers could develop into a star quarterback at the next level, and his NFL journey will begin in earnest in 2025.
For Texas, Ewers’ departure marks the end of an era, but it also signals the start of a new chapter for the Longhorns. The team will now turn to its next quarterback, but Ewers’ legacy—one filled with promise and potential—will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.
Conclusion
Quinn Ewers’ decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft after Texas’ loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff bracket marks the end of one chapter in his football journey and the beginning of another. While his time at Texas was filled with highs and lows, his raw talent and potential have made him one of the most intriguing prospects in the upcoming draft. Now, as he prepares to make the leap to the NFL, all eyes will be on Ewers as he works to prove that he can be a successful quarterback at the next level. Whether his path to success is immediate or requires some development, there’s no denying that the future is bright for Quinn Ewers in the NFL.