Quinn Ewers appeared to suggest his intentions to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft when addressing transfer portal rumors following Carson Beck’s blockbuster move to Miami.

Last week, Ewers played a key role as Texas secured a stunning 39-31 overtime win over Arizona State. Ewers starred, throwing for 322 yards and three touchdowns with an interception in the epic victory that secured a spot in the Cotton Bowl.

Throughout the season, Ewers has battled through injury and struggles with form with Arch Manning, due to both his play and name gravitas, breathing down his neck. Manning’s dual-threat ability adds another layer to the Texas offense, but head coach Steve Sarkisian has resisted calls to permanently insert him in the lineup.

Sarkisian’s faith was rewarded against Arizona. On fourth-and-13, Ewers forced a second overtime with a 28-yard touchdown strike to Matthew Golden that saved the season for Texas, who face Ohio State on Friday.

As he prepares for the Cotton Bowl, Ewers’ future remains cloudy. The 21-year-old appears set to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, but rumors that a program is prepared to pay $6 million in NIL money to lure him from Texas and see him return to college football in a similar deal that Beck inked in Miami.

Rather than being a mid-to-late round pick in April, Beck will now have the opportunity to regain the trust of scouts – many of whom penciled him in as a first-round selection entering the 2024 season. Ewers has reportedly received similar interest.

Quinn Ewers has been linked with a return to college in 2025 to boost his draft stock and receive NIL compensation

Quinn Ewers has been linked with a return to college in 2025 to boost his draft stock and receive NIL compensation ( 

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Ahead of the Cotton Bowl, Ewers addressed transfer portal rumors and said: “You know I think that’s selfish of me to be able to be thinking about it or looking at that. I owe my teammates the best version of me right now. I can’t be looking forward. 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.”

However, Ewers more directly seemed to tell ESPN College GameDay that he was ready to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. Asked if he expects to play college football next year, Ewers said: “No, I don’t.”

Quizzed over speculation regarding his future, Ewers added: “I hadn’t even paid attention to it. I’m not really sure what’s going on.”

Ewers’ performances recently have seen him garner NFL Draft hype. His No. 5 Texas takes on No. 8 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl – the second semifinal of the inaugural expanded College Football Playoff, with the winner taking on Notre Dame in the National Championship on Jan. 20.