“Quinn Ewers Shuns 2024 NFL Draft, Stuns Fans with Texas Return for Third Season”
In a surprising turn of events, quarterback Quinn Ewers has announced his decision to forego the 2024 NFL Draft, opting for a remarkable return to the Longhorns for a third consecutive season. This revelation, shared via Ewers’ Instagram on Thursday, follows his pivotal role in steering Texas to a triumphant 2023, securing their first Big 12 championship since 2009 and a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff, albeit ending with a defeat to Washington in the Sugar Bowl semifinal.
Ewers, positioned at No. 30 in CBS Sports’ NFL Draft Prospect Rankings, showcased remarkable growth during his second season as QB1, bouncing back from the setbacks of his injury-ridden debut in 2022. Concluding the 2023 season with an impressive 3,479 yards passing, 22 touchdowns, and five rushing touchdowns, Ewers displayed a resurgence that didn’t go unnoticed.
Despite encountering a midseason injury at Houston resulting in two missed starts, Texas emerged victorious under backup Maalik Murphy’s temporary command. Murphy has since transferred to Duke, leaving Ewers at the helm for the upcoming challenges.
With Ewers’ decision now official, the anticipation heightens as the former No. 1 overall recruit aspires to settle unfinished business, aiming for a return to the College Football Playoff in 2024. The Longhorns face a daunting task with their move to the SEC alongside rival Oklahoma, intensifying the competition. The 2024 campaign kicks off with a nonconference road game against reigning national champion Michigan in September, adding an extra layer of difficulty.
“I want to be the quarterback who worked every year to get better,” Ewers shared with ESPN. “The quarterback who loved his teammates, the quarterback who won a lot of football games and brought Texas football back to the top of college football where it belongs.”
The decision not to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft also reshapes the landscape for the Longhorns, postponing the potential debut of Arch Manning as QB1. Manning, a former top prospect in the 2023 recruiting cycle, spent the past season as the Longhorns’ third-string quarterback and is expected to bide his time for another season before potentially claiming the spotlight at Texas.
This strategic move is well-aligned with Manning’s limited playtime in 2023, allowing him another season to absorb valuable insights under Ewers’ mentorship. Additionally, the continuity provided by Ewers in the quarterback position offers stability amid significant changes, with the Longhorns’ top four receivers from 2023 declaring for the draft. As Texas gears up for the challenges ahead, Ewers remains a crucial anchor, ensuring a smoother transition and adaptation to the demanding SEC environment.”
