One of college football’s top NIL earners is bidding farewell to the Texas Longhorns and setting his sights on the NFL Draft.
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers has officially declared for the draft, sharing the news in a social media video that put an end to months of speculation about his future.
After four years in college—including a stint with Ohio State before transferring back to his home state of Texas—Ewers decided the time was right to take the leap. His decision comes in the context of a relatively weak quarterback class, making this an opportune moment to maximize his draft prospects rather than risk falling in the pecking order with another season.
There had been rumors Ewers might enter the transfer portal, where he likely would’ve been the most coveted—and highest-paid—player in its history. However, with rising star Arch Manning, the highest-valued NIL athlete, waiting in the wings, Ewers’ starting position at Texas next season was anything but guaranteed. The challenges of transferring to a new program—adapting to a new system and building chemistry with new teammates—ultimately pushed him to bet on his NFL future.
While Ewers isn’t projected as a first-round pick, his performance this season showcased both promise and pitfalls. He posted nearly 3,500 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions but faltered in key moments, including three costly losses—two to Georgia and one to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff semifinal.
Off the field, Ewers was a powerhouse, ranking No. 4 on On3’s NIL 100 list with a valuation of $4.5 million. He trailed only Arch Manning ($6.6 million), Shedeur Sanders ($6.5 million), and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter ($5.7 million).
As Ewers transitions to the professional ranks, it will be fascinating to compare his draft contract with the lucrative NIL opportunities he might have commanded through the portal.
