5 Shocking Truths About Quinn Ewers' NFL Draft Stock And Why He Turned Down $8 Million

As of late 2025, the conversation surrounding Quinn Ewers’ professional future is no longer a hypothetical: the former five-star recruit officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, concluding his highly-anticipated collegiate career with the Texas Longhorns. This decision, made public in January, set the stage for one of the most polarizing quarterback evaluations in the draft class, with scouts and analysts split on whether his elite arm talent and playmaking ability can overcome concerns about consistency and ball placement at the next level. The buzz around Ewers is amplified by a staggering revelation: he reportedly turned down an $8 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offer to transfer to a different university and continue his college career, solidifying his commitment to the NFL process and his belief in his draft stock. This choice underscores the high-stakes gamble the young quarterback is taking, banking on his upside to translate into a high selection and a lucrative professional contract.

Quinn Ewers: Complete Biography and College Career Profile

Quinn Ewers is one of the most recognizable and scrutinized quarterback prospects in recent college football history, known for his distinctive hairstyle and generational arm talent. His journey has been anything but conventional, involving a high-profile transfer and immense pressure from the moment he stepped onto a college campus.

• Full Name: Quinn Ewers
• Date of Birth: March 15, 2003
• Hometown: Southlake, Texas
• High School: Southlake Carroll High School (Texas)
• Recruiting Rank: Consensus five-star prospect; ranked as the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2021 class by multiple services (Rivals, 247Sports).
• Original College: Ohio State University (2021)
• Transfer: Transferred to the University of Texas at Austin (2022)
• College Eligibility: Forwent remaining eligibility to enter the 2025 NFL Draft.
• Key College Statistics (2024 Season): 3,472 Passing Yards, 31 Passing Touchdowns, 2 Rushing Touchdowns.
• Career Highlights: Led the Texas Longhorns to significant victories, showcasing his elite arm strength and ability to perform under pressure in high-stakes SEC matchups.

Ewers’ career at Texas was marked by flashes of brilliance, particularly his ability to make "awkward throws" and his impressive touch on deep passes, which cemented his status as a high-ceiling prospect. His 2024 season, which culminated in his draft declaration, was his most productive, demonstrating growth in processing speed and decision-making.

The Shocking $8 Million Decision and Ewers' Motivation

The biggest headline following Ewers’ declaration for the 2025 NFL Draft was the reported financial sacrifice he made. Reports indicate that the Texas quarterback declined a massive $8 million NIL offer to transfer and continue playing college football, a figure that is staggering even in the current landscape of collegiate athletics.

Why Quinn Ewers Chose the NFL Over an $8M NIL Deal

This decision is a powerful statement about Ewers' belief in his own professional potential and the advice he received from his inner circle.

Professional Ambition: For a player who was the No. 1 overall high school recruit, the ultimate goal has always been the NFL. Remaining in college, even for a record-breaking payday, risks injury or a dip in performance that could severely damage his long-term earning potential. An $8 million NIL deal pales in comparison to the guaranteed money of even a mid-round NFL rookie contract.

Draft Confidence: By declaring, Ewers signaled he and his team believe his current draft stock is high enough to warrant the jump. He is betting on his elite traits—namely, his arm talent, quick release, and ability to throw on the move—to impress NFL general managers and secure a high draft slot.

The Arch Manning Factor: While never explicitly stated as a reason, Ewers' departure clears the way for highly-touted backup quarterback Arch Manning to potentially take over the starting role at Texas. This move allows Ewers to pursue his dreams while also facilitating the next era of Longhorns football, removing a potential distraction for the program.

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Quinn Ewers Scouting Report: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Draft Projection

Quinn Ewers presents one of the most fascinating evaluations in the 2025 class. His tape is a rollercoaster of jaw-dropping throws and head-scratching misses, leading to a wide variance in his draft projections.

The Elite Arm Talent: Strengths That Entice NFL Teams

NFL teams are primarily drawn to Ewers' natural gifts, which are considered top-tier in the class.

• Arm Strength and Velocity: Ewers possesses elite, effortless arm talent. He can drive the ball into tight windows and throw with velocity from awkward platforms, a trait highly valued in the NFL.
• Quick Processor: He shows an ability to process information quickly and get the ball out on time, operating effectively in a pro-style offense.
• Playmaking on the Move: He is highly effective when throwing on the move or during scramble drills, ranking fifth in the FBS in PFF passing grade on such plays in his last season.
• Anticipation: Scouts note his ability to anticipate open windows and deliver the ball before the receiver breaks open, a hallmark of elite NFL quarterbacks.
• Touch and Ball Placement: He has demonstrated impressive touch on deep balls and fades, giving his receivers chances to make plays.

The Unanswered Questions: Weaknesses and Consistency Concerns

The primary concerns surrounding Ewers are linked to consistency and his overall accuracy profile.

• Inconsistent Accuracy: Despite praise for his ball placement, some scouting reports have given Ewers a low grade due to concerns over overall accuracy and ball placement, suggesting a lack of consistency in this critical area.
• Footwork and Mechanics: Like many young quarterbacks, his footwork can occasionally become sloppy, leading to errant throws and a lack of power on throws when he cannot step into them cleanly.
• Injury History: He has dealt with injuries during his college career, which is always a factor for teams evaluating durability at the professional level.

2025 NFL Draft Projection and Landing Spots

Ewers' draft projection for the 2025 NFL Draft is one of the most volatile in the class. Prior to an abdomen injury, some mock drafts had him in the late first round. However, as the process begins, his stock is widely viewed as falling into the Day 2 range.

The consensus opinion from NFL coaches and analysts suggests that Ewers is most likely to be a Second-to-Fourth Round Pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Teams needing a developmental quarterback with a high ceiling—a team willing to let him sit and refine his mechanics—will be the most interested. His selection will likely be determined by his performance at the NFL Combine and Pro Day workouts, where his exceptional arm talent can truly shine. The team that drafts him will be betting on his elite physical tools and the potential for a high-level coaching staff to iron out his mechanical inconsistencies.