AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas junior quarterback Quinn Ewers declared for the NFL Draft on Wednesday, bringing an end to a remarkable Longhorns career. Ewers cemented his legacy by guiding Texas to a Big 12 championship and two appearances in the College Football Playoff. Despite his on-field success, he faced challenges in winning over a fan base eagerly anticipating the arrival of highly touted prospect Arch Manning.
During his time at Texas, Ewers amassed an impressive 9,128 passing yards and threw 68 touchdowns, putting him in rare company among Longhorns quarterbacks. Speculation had been rife about Ewers’ future even before the conclusion of the season, with the talented signal-caller hinting that his collegiate career was drawing to a close.
Reflecting on his time at Texas, Ewers expressed gratitude for the experiences he had shared with his coaches and teammates, emphasizing the lasting impact of the relationships he had forged. His contributions on the field were equally noteworthy, with his 27 career wins ranking him fourth among all starting quarterbacks in Texas history. Notably, Ewers steered the Longhorns to their first Big 12 title in over a decade in 2023, a historic achievement preceding the team’s transition to the competitive landscape of the Southeastern Conference.
In their inaugural season in the SEC, Ewers spearheaded Texas to a No. 1 ranking, marking the program’s ascent to the top spot for the first time since 2008. The Longhorns also secured a berth in the conference championship game, underscoring Ewers’ instrumental role in elevating the team’s national standing. Despite falling short of clinching the national title, Ewers etched his name in Texas football lore by leading the Longhorns to consecutive playoff semifinals, a feat that showcased his prowess as a dynamic playmaker.
However, Ewers’ collegiate journey was not without its setbacks. A pivotal fumble against Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl proved costly, as it led to a game-clinching touchdown for the Buckeyes. This defining moment, though disappointing, serves as a chapter in Ewers’ narrative, highlighting both his successes and tribulations on the gridiron.
Hailing from the Dallas suburbs, Ewers rose to prominence as the nation’s top-rated high school quarterback before committing to Ohio State. His tenure with the Buckeyes was short-lived, prompting a transfer to Texas following a brief stint marked by limited playing time. Ewers’ arrival in Austin coincided with a rebuilding phase for the Longhorns under head coach Steve Sarkisian, who had inherited a struggling program.
Taking the reins as the starting quarterback in 2022, Ewers navigated Texas through seasons of varying success, culminating in impressive records of 8-5, 12-2, and 13-3. Throughout his tenure, Ewers grappled with a series of injuries, ranging from shoulder ailments to abdominal strains and ankle issues