The Texas Longhorns football program has seen its fair share of promising quarterbacks over the years, but few have garnered as much attention and controversy as Quinn Ewers. As the 2024 season begins to wind down, speculation is rife about whether Ewers, who has been the face of Texas football since his high school days, is about to play his final home game for the Longhorns. The question of whether Ewers will stay for another season or declare for the NFL draft has stirred emotions, raised debates, and even created tensions within the fan base.
A Star-Crossed Journey to Texas
Quinn Ewers arrived in Austin with sky-high expectations after reclassifying to join Texas a year earlier than originally planned. The former No. 1 overall recruit in the 2022 class was hyped as the savior of the Longhorns’ quarterback position, which had been in flux for years. After spending one season at Ohio State, where he barely saw playing time, Ewers transferred to Texas, where he would inherit the starting role under head coach Steve Sarkisian.
Ewers’ first season at Texas had its ups and downs. His potential was evident in flashes, but inconsistency and injuries kept him from fully realizing his promise. Despite this, Ewers helped lead the Longhorns to a competitive season and demonstrated why many still view him as one of the most gifted quarterbacks in college football.
However, as Texas enters its final home game of the 2024 regular season, the speculation surrounding Ewers’ future has reached a boiling point. The NFL Draft looms large on the horizon, and Ewers is widely considered to be one of the top quarterbacks available. His decision to declare for the draft would mark the end of an era for Texas football, and while many fans and pundits believe it’s time for Ewers to make the leap, not everyone is convinced it’s the right move.
The NFL Draft: Too Early for Ewers?
For some, Ewers’ potential in the NFL is undeniable. His arm strength is elite, and his ability to make every throw required at the next level is well-documented. Despite some inconsistencies in his college career, many scouts and analysts see enough talent to make Ewers a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. His height, arm mechanics, and mobility all check the necessary boxes for a future NFL starter.
Yet, this view is not universally shared. Critics argue that Ewers has not shown enough in his time at Texas to justify an early jump to the NFL. His performance has been erratic, with a tendency to struggle in high-pressure moments and against top-tier defenses. There are concerns that Ewers has not developed the necessary consistency in his decision-making and footwork to thrive in the NFL. Some even wonder if staying another year at Texas would be beneficial for his long-term prospects, allowing him to refine his game, develop better mechanics, and enter the NFL with a more polished skill set.
The Case for Staying: A Year of Growth
Another layer of the controversy is the possibility that Ewers could stay for his senior season. Texas fans have grown attached to the quarterback, and many hope that he’ll return for one final season to help guide the Longhorns to a College Football Playoff berth. The program itself has seen significant progress under Sarkisian’s leadership, and a seasoned Ewers could be the difference between a good season and a championship contender.
Moreover, staying an additional year could solidify Ewers’ position as a top-tier NFL prospect. A strong 2025 campaign with Texas could not only boost his draft stock but also ensure that he’s mentally and physically prepared for the transition to the NFL. In an era where quarterbacks are often rushed into the league before they’re ready, the opportunity to sit back, learn, and develop further might ultimately be the best move for Ewers’ career.
The Counter-Argument: The Dangers of Staying Too Long
However, the argument for staying another year is not without its flaws. There are those who point to the risks associated with staying in college for too long, especially for a player with NFL potential. The longer Ewers stays at Texas, the more chances there are for injury or for his stock to diminish if he fails to live up to expectations in 2025. In a sport where injuries are a constant threat, there’s no guarantee that Ewers will leave college unscathed, and some believe it’s better to strike while the iron is hot.
Furthermore, the college football landscape is becoming more unpredictable with the ongoing conference realignment and the evolving nature of the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) space. Staying another year could put Ewers in a situation where the program’s direction shifts, or external factors alter the competitive landscape.
Conclusion: The Pressure is Mounting
As Quinn Ewers prepares for what could be his final home game at Texas, the pressure surrounding his decision is at its peak. Will he take the plunge and declare for the NFL Draft, or will he stay in Austin for another season and try to cement his legacy with the Longhorns? The controversy surrounding his decision continues to divide Texas fans, analysts, and experts, and only time will tell which path he ultimately chooses. However, one thing is certain: Ewers’ decision will have a lasting impact on the future of Texas football and his own career in professional football.
