Have a look at these QB stats: 3,189 passing yards, 29 TDs, 11 interceptions on 66.5%. The critics will have you believe that Quinn Ewers had an average season. Of course, it’s not the same as the 2023 season when Texas QB1 had 3,479 passing yards on 69% completion. But there is nothing average about these stats. Put them into the context of Ewers playing some of the games this year injured. He even missed a few in the initial part of the season. However, such are the narratives that the moment Quinn throws a bad pass, or put it short or long, or throws an interception, he must be escorted off the field and replaced by Arch Manning on a moment’s notice. Fortunately for Ewers, Steve Sarkisian never stopped believing in his quarterback.

Even though Quinn Ewers had tough moments against both Georgia Bulldogs and Arizona State in the post-season, Sarkisian didn’t blink, kept him in the game, and what happened? Ewers delivered, at least, in their quarterfinal clash when Cam Skattebo almost handed the Longhorns a humiliating loss in their first year in the SEC. Just go back to those moments! Late in the 4th, Texas needs a drive to set up a field goal. Quinn delivers. Unfortunately, the kicker misses. That’s alright. It’s overtime, and Texas needs to put points on the board. No worries. Quinn delivered again and then again and followed it with a 2-point conversion. That’s why you keep faith in Quinn.

Now, heading into the Cotton Bowl against the Ohio State Buckeyes, there is a possibility that it could be Quinn Ewers’ last game for Steve Sarkisian’s team. What does it mean? Well, we get all the faith that Steve Sarkisian has shown in him, but there’s a real chance that Texas will give the baton to Arch Manning in 2025. If that happens, Quinn Ewers has two options: move to the Draft or move to the Transfer portal. If he chooses the latter, there won’t be a shortage of teams trying to get him off the portal. How do we know?

A few days ago, ON3 reported that a mystery program had offered Quinn Ewers $6 million to join forces with them by entering the transfer portal and delaying his departure to the NFL for one more year. The report did not mention the name of the team. Moreover, it also did not specify if Quinn has shown any interest in the offer. However, whether he is interested or not is another thing. The reality is that there is an offer on the table, and the amount reflects that the program is serious about having Quinn Ewers. After a gap of a few days, Texas QB1 finally addressed the rumors.

In pretty much what we expect from Quinn, he talked about the rumors while putting his team ahead of anything at the moment. “I think that’s selfish of me to be even thinking about it or looking at that,” Ewers said. “I owe my teammates the best version of me right now. I can’t be looking forward, or I’ll trip on the rock that’s sitting right in front of me. I’ve got to be locked in on what’s right here.”

There you have it, for now, Quinn Ewers has eyes on the prize. Win against the Buckeyes, and the Longhorns will lock horns against Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame for the natty. However, a loss in the Cotton Bowl will bring back all these narratives.

To move, or not to move?

As we mentioned, Quinn Ewers’ career can take two directions after this season. The NFL route or stay in college football. ON3 analyst JD Pickell believes that making a move to the bigger league might not be the right call for the Texas QB.

Of course, there is the money that Quinn will earn, but in the longer scheme of things, does it matter? What may end up mattering is the experience he will gain with an extra season under his belt. “Jayden Daniels was 23-24 years old, Bo Nix has somewhere North of 40 starts. That helps these guys have success in the NFL. Even if Quinn Ewers doesn’t have a better stock after next season, does he not help himself have a longer NFL career,” Pickell said.

As Pickell elaborated, there is precedent. Nix transferred to Oregon in 2022 for an extra year in CFB rather than going to the pros. Did it help? Well, he was picked No. 12 by the Broncos, and in his first year with the team, he has led them to the playoffs. Similarly for Daniels. The extra year not only earned him the coveted Heisman trophy but also the No. 2 draft pick. Just like Nix, he has also led his team to the playoffs and may become the offensive rookie of the year.

On the other hand, Quinn can go to the NFL this year, and he may be a late-round pick. Does that help his development? Not really. Staying in college is the only sensible decision.