It might not be about the money for Quinn Ewers.
The Texas junior quarterback declared for the 2025 NFL Draft amid rumors of a $6 million NIL package, he announced on social media.
Ewers’ exit opens the door for the start of the Arch Manning era in Austin.
There had been questions surrounding whether Ewers would return to college — be it 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 affords players the chance to earn more money in college than the pros, as seen in Carson Beck transferring to Miami for a reported $4 million package.
Ewers reportedly had a $6 million offer on the table.
He sidestepped discussing the rumored offer before Texas’ season-ending loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff semifinals.
“I mean, right now, I’m just, I’m just not worried about all that stuff,” Ewers said earlier this month, according to USA Today. “I mean, people can say all they want to say, but, you know, I’m just focused on focus on Friday at this point in time.”
Ewers will not make $6 million this upcoming season in the NFL and it’s uncertain where he will be drafted after a season that featured some concerns.
While he threw a career-high 31 touchdowns, he also doubled his interceptions from six to 12.
Ewers also battled injuries and ineffectiveness at times.
He completed 23 of 39 passes for 283 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in his final college game but he lost a killer fumble that Ohio State returned for a game-sealing score in the 28-14 win.
Ewers tossed 68 touchdowns to 24 interceptions in his career.
He’s ranked as the No. 5 quarterback prospect in the 2025 class, per ESPN’s Mel Kiper.
Ewers figures to be in the second group of signal-callers behind projected top-five picks Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) and Cam Ward (Miami).
His exit means Manning will have his chance to prove whether he can live up to all the hype now as the full-time starter.
