As the NCAA transfer portal deadline approaches—set for December 28, or five days after a team’s final postseason game—Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers remains a figure of uncertainty in college football. The rumors surrounding his future have sparked a great deal of speculation, and the situation remains clouded by conflicting reports.
Anwar Richardson, a Texas insider, recently reported that Ewers intends to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, with Texas preparing to pass the quarterback reins to freshman Arch Manning. However, other reports suggest Ewers has lucrative NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals lined up that could entice him to transfer and play his senior season for another program. Such a move could help him improve his draft stock for the 2026 NFL Draft. The conflicting information has left many wondering about Ewers’ next steps.
Ewers started the season with high expectations. As one of the top quarterbacks in college football, he was viewed as a potential first-round draft pick, with some even speculating that he could crack the top 15 picks after strong performances in the early games. However, an abdominal injury suffered against UTSA in Week 3, combined with impressive showings from freshman Arch Manning, led to a shift in perceptions. Ewers’ draft stock has since been downgraded, and he is now projected to be a Day 2 pick in the NFL Draft, a significant drop from his earlier projections.
As Texas prepares to face No. 12 Clemson in the first round of the College Football Playoff, Ewers was asked by local reporters about his plans for the future. When pressed on whether he had made a decision regarding his future in college football, Ewers gave a straightforward response. “I’m not sure yet,” he said. “I’m just trying to win these games. I haven’t thought about anything beyond that.”
This response suggests that Ewers is focused on finishing his current season strong, with the College Football Playoff game against Clemson looming large. His immediate attention is on the upcoming game, and he has yet to finalize his plans for the following year.
Several programs are expected to be in the market for a quarterback via the transfer portal, and Ewers has options if he chooses to leave Texas. Auburn, Cal, Duke, Miami, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, and USC are among the schools that may be looking for a new starting quarterback in the portal. Ewers’ decision will likely be influenced by which program offers the best fit for his skill set and aspirations.
Ewers’ performance this season has been a mixed bag. In 11 starts, he completed 66.2% of his passes, throwing for 2,665 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. He posted a 9-2 record as the starter, with both losses coming against No. 2 Georgia. However, his numbers have dipped compared to his breakout sophomore season in 2023. In 2023, Ewers threw for more touchdowns, had a higher completion percentage, and averaged more passing yards per game. This year, his passing yards per game dropped by nearly 50 yards, from 289.9 to 242.3, and his yards per completion also decreased by more than a yard, from 12.8 to 11.4.
These declines in performance are concerning for both Ewers and the Texas program, but they also reflect the complexities of his future in college football. Despite his earlier success and the potential he showed as a top prospect, his struggles this season could impact how he is viewed by NFL scouts. Ewers will have to decide whether to return to Texas for another season or take his chances in the transfer portal in the hopes of improving his draft stock for 2026. The transfer portal’s closing date is fast approaching, and Ewers’ decision is becoming increasingly urgent.
Throughout the season, Ewers has faced considerable pressure to lead Texas to a successful campaign, but his struggles in big games—particularly the losses to Georgia—have cast doubt on his readiness for the NFL. Still, he remains focused on helping Texas achieve success in the College Football Playoff. His focus on the upcoming games rather than the rumors surrounding his future is indicative of his desire to finish the season on a high note, despite the uncertainty about what comes next.
In the end, the choice facing Quinn Ewers is one of significant consequence. His college football future hangs in the balance, and while the transfer portal offers opportunities, it also presents risks. Ewers’ next move will likely shape not only his future at Texas but also his prospects at the next level. For now, though, his attention is firmly fixed on winning with the Longhorns and competing in the Playoff, leaving the decision about his future for another day. As the deadline approaches, fans, coaches, and analysts alike will continue to watch closely, awaiting Ewers’ ultimate decision.
