Quinn Ewers Faces Pivotal Decision Amid Arch Manning’s Rise and Draft Speculation…

 

As the Texas Longhorns prepare for their second consecutive College Football Playoff appearance, the spotlight has not only been on their playoff hopes but also on the future of starting quarterback Quinn Ewers. With prized backup Arch Manning, the former No. 1 overall recruit, waiting in the wings, speculation about Ewers’ next move has dominated the conversation around the program.

For much of the season, the assumption was that Ewers would declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, creating a clear path for Manning to take over in Austin. However, recent rumors have suggested Ewers may be considering a return to college, creating potential complications for the Longhorns. Those rumors gained traction after Ewers was asked about his plans ahead of Saturday’s College Football Playoff game against No. 12-seed Clemson.

“I’m not sure yet, I’m just trying to win these games,” Ewers told reporters. “I haven’t thought about anything beyond that.”

Ewers’ uncertainty has fueled debate among analysts and fans alike. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., a longtime NFL Draft expert, has added to the discussion, suggesting that Ewers not only return to college for another year but also consider transferring to another program.

“Arch Manning is going to be the quarterback at Texas next year. So if you want to play college football, you probably have to move on somewhere. I would do that if I’m Quinn Ewers,” Kiper said on ESPN’s First Draft podcast. “I would not come out unless I really played phenomenal football in these playoff games and came into this draft process with tremendous momentum. I don’t want to become a second- or third-round pick.”

Kiper’s comments come as Ewers’ draft stock appears uncertain. In Kiper’s latest 2025 NFL Draft Big Board, Ewers is ranked as the No. 6 quarterback prospect, trailing potential first-rounders like Shedeur Sanders (Colorado), Cam Ward (Miami), and Jalen Milroe (Alabama). While Ewers has shown flashes of brilliance during his time at Texas, inconsistent performances and injuries have kept him from firmly cementing himself as a top-tier prospect.

The prospect of Ewers transferring has drawn mixed reactions. On one hand, a change of scenery could give him an opportunity to showcase his skills without the looming pressure of Manning’s ascent. On the other hand, staying at Texas and competing for the starting job could further solidify his reputation as a leader and competitor.

For Texas, the situation presents a delicate balancing act. Arch Manning, who arrived with sky-high expectations, has yet to see significant playing time, but the program undoubtedly views him as the future of their offense. If Ewers stays, it could create a logjam at quarterback, potentially leading to questions about team dynamics and development.

Ewers, for now, is focused on the task at hand: leading the Longhorns through the playoff. However, his decision will have ripple effects far beyond this postseason. Whether he opts for the NFL Draft, transfers to another program, or returns to Texas for another year, Ewers’ next move will shape the future of his career and the trajectory of Texas football.

For the Longhorns, it’s a crossroads moment that underscores the challenges and opportunities of managing elite talent in college football’s modern era.