There is a certain novelty to college sports that the pro game can’t quite mimic. One of the big differences comes with the life cycles of the athletes. No matter how good or bad your tenure is, it’s time-bound. These short careers often see some players manage to leave their mark and become legends revered perpetually. Or, in many cases, leave a bad taste that you’re happy to see the back of.

The no. 3 Texas Longhorns (9-1) are celebrating Senior Day on campus when they host the Kentucky Wildcats (4-6) in the penultimate weekend of the season. Part of the festivities will be redshirt junior and QB1 Quinn Ewers. Yes, the time has come for Ewers to transcend his collegiate career and perhaps take the next step into the NFL. This Week 13 tie stands to be Ewers’ last home game. In a rather cynical turn of events, fans on social media are seemingly delighted.

Since transferring over from Ohio State, Quinn Ewers has been the primary signal-caller for the Longhorns. His time has largely been a success. The team made its first CFP in 2023. Ewers was even the MVP in their Big 12 conference championship win, before their move over to the SEC this season. He set the record for the most passing yards (452) in the game’s history enroute to a 49-21 win over Oklahoma State.

So why are Texas fans, at least those on social media, thinking it’s good riddance? Perhaps the reason is more to do with what will ensue rather than what has occurred, Ewers’ departure means the prospect of Arch Manning as QB1. No prizes for guessing why that fosters a feeling of excitement among the Longhorns’ fanbase. Quinn Ewers is likely just facing subliminal bullets.

In the comments section of an Instagram post announcing news of Ewers’ impending farewell, fans hardly minced words in firing some shots at their departing alum. Here are some of the most resounding responses-

Social Media reaction to the Quinn Ewers news invoked surprise

“Thank God!! 👏 Let’s get him outta here”, said one fan. This was quite a brutal take on Quinn Ewers and his service to the school. “Finally, Arch era can start”, commented another. This was more in line with the general feeling of excitement for Manning rather than disdain for Ewers.

Some passed satirical statements on his age, although Ewers is only 21! Such is the nature of CFB. His younger comrade Arch was perhaps once again a thorn in his side here. “Bro 65, he gotta participate” and “Bout damn time unc” were examples of this. 

The news confirmed what was already expected- Quinn Ewers was always going to see his way out at the end of this year. Nevertheless, fans pointed this out. “Did we ever expect any different?” and “Duh how is this breaking” are some such comments. Talk about shooting the messenger. While social media is often an echo chamber, it will be interesting to see the kind of reception Quinn Ewers gets when he takes to the field in Austin one final time.