It might not be about the money for Quinn Ewers.
The junior quarterback from Texas declared for the 2025 NFL Draft amid rumors of a lousy $6 million package, he announced on social media.
Ewers’ exit opens the door to the start of the Arch Manning era in Austin.
There were questions about whether Ewers would return to college — whether at Texas or another school — or enter the professional ranks after leading the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff for the second straight season.
This new NIL era offers players the opportunity to earn more money in college than the pros, as demonstrated by Carson Beck’s $4 million trade to Miami.
Ewers reportedly had a $6 million offer on the table.
He avoided discussing the rumored offer before Texas’ loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff semifinals.
“I mean, right now, I’m just not worried about any of it,” Ewers said earlier this month, according to USA Today. “I mean, people can say whatever they want, but, you know, I’m just focused on Friday right now.”
Ewers won’t make $6 million this upcoming NFL season and it’s unclear where he will be drafted after a season that raised some concerns.
While he threw a career-high 31 touchdowns, he also doubled his interceptions, from six to 12.
Ewers also had to deal with injuries and ineffectiveness at times.
He completed 23 of 39 passes for 283 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in his final college game, but he lost a bruising fumble that Ohio State returned for a game-clinching score in the 28-14 victory.
Ewers threw 68 touchdowns and 24 interceptions in his career.
He is ranked as the No. 5 quarterback prospect in the 2025 class, according to ESPN’s Mel Kiper.
Ewers is part of the second group of signal-callers behind projected top-five picks Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) and Cam Ward (Miami).
His departure means Manning will have the opportunity to prove if he can live up to all the current hype as a full-time starter.
