Quinn Ewers has reportedly turned down a substantial name, image, and likeness (NIL) offer in favor of declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. According to 247Sports’ Chip Brown, Ewers was presented with an $8 million NIL deal from an undisclosed program to transfer from Texas. However, the 21-year-old quarterback chose to end his collegiate career as a Longhorn and pursue his professional aspirations instead.
Sources close to Ewers told 247Sports that his decision was partly driven by his desire to leave Texas on good terms. His high school football coach at Southlake Carroll, Riley Dodge, further confirmed the quarterback’s loyalty, stating, “Texas was the only place he wanted to play college football. He wanted to leave Texas in good standing.”
Ewers earned $6 million in NIL money during his time at Texas and added another $1.4 million through his 2021 signing with GT Sports Marketing. While the reported $8 million NIL offer for a transfer was far more than he had earned at Texas, Ewers has opted to take his chances in the NFL, where he is currently projected to be a potential second- or third-round pick in the 2025 draft.
Ewers’ college journey began at Ohio State, where he committed in 2020 but didn’t see playing time in his freshman year. He transferred to Texas in 2021 and quickly became a three-year starter for the Longhorns, finishing with a 27-9 record over 36 starts. He led Texas to the College Football Playoff in the last two seasons, throwing for 3,479 yards, 22 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 2023, followed by 3,472 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 2024.
Ewers’ performance helped guide the Longhorns to CFP victories over Clemson and Arizona State, but Texas’ playoff run ended with a 28-14 loss to Ohio State in the semifinals. Ewers was sacked and stripped in the game’s final moments, with Ohio State returning the fumble for a game-sealing touchdown.
Though Ewers could have returned to Texas for another season, the presence of highly-touted quarterback Arch Manning made that option unlikely. Manning, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 class, sat behind Ewers for two years but showcased his abilities during Ewers’ injury absence. It became apparent that Manning would be the Longhorns’ future under center, which likely factored into Ewers’ decision to enter the NFL Draft.
As Quinn Ewers prepares for the next chapter of his football career, his decision to turn down a lucrative NIL offer and enter the draft reflects his confidence in his potential at the professional level.
