Why Quinn Ewers came to Texas
When Quinn Ewers entered the transfer portal on December 3, 2021, Texas sprang into action. Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian met with the Five-Star Plus+ quarterback, and less than two weeks later, Ewers announced he would return to the Lone Star State to play for his childhood favorite.
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“I grew up always watching the Longhorns play, wanting to be in that burnt orange,” Ewers said Thursday. “There was a little obstacle in between, but I ended up here. I’m very thankful for all the opportunities God has given me, and I’m excited to be in the home state.”
That “little obstacle” was time spent with the Ohio State football program. Ewers originally committed to Texas and Tom Herman in August of 2020. Just over two months later, Ewers re-opened his commitment when Herman’s tenure was on its last legs. Less than a month later in November, Ewers committed to the Buckeyes.
He re-classified and joined Ryan Day’s program in Columbus ahead of the start of the 2021 season, skipping his senior year at Southlake Carroll High School. One reason was to start his developmental clock. Another was to take advantage of Name, Image, and Likeness opportunities freshly available to high-profile college athletes like Ewers.
However, C.J. Stroud won the Ohio State starting quarterback job and excelled on the field on his way to being a Heisman finalist. It became apparent playing time would be tough to come by for Ewers, and he decided to enter the portal. His reasoning? He wanted to be closer to his friends and family, in addition to playing for his childhood favorite in a high-powered offense.
“I feel like I committed more emotionally,” Ewers said about his pledge to Ohio State. “But at the end of the day I ended up where I think I should be. That’s all there is to it.”
Ewers was asked several times about his short tenure in Columbus. His response echoed something Sarkisian has said at several points throughout his 15 months as head coach in Austin.
“Coach Sark once told me that’s why the rear view mirror is so small and the windshield is so big,” Ewers said. “Put the past behind you and focus on what’s ahead. I’m super excited about what’s ahead, for sure.”
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In Austin, he’s in another quarterback competition with third-year local product Hudson Card. Card won the preseason quarterback battle last year before Sarkisian elected to make a switch and start Casey Thompson.
After the season, Thompson transferred to Nebraska, but Card stuck around. Card is in his second year in Sarkisian’s offense, while Ewers is still gaining his footing in the new system. Ewers mentioned Thursday there were overlaps between what Sarkisian runs and what the Buckeyes ran, and he’s gaining comfort in the system with each passing day.
“As of right now, I feel pretty comfortable with what’s been installed,” Ewers said. “I’m excited to keep learning because I’ve obviously got a lot of learning to do within the offense. As of right now, I’m pretty comfortable.”
His comfort level allowed for him to have a solid performance in Texas’ most recent spring scrimmage, according to Inside Texas sources. One throw from Saturday’s practice even made its way to Longhorn social media.
Regarding off-the-field matters, Ewers was asked about any NIL opportunities he’s taken advantage of in Austin. He kept those close to the vest, mentioning those matters were “personal.”
But what of the mullet that he grew out in Southlake, Texas, kept in Columbus, Ohio, and has since maintained since his arrival in Austin?
“It’s just hair at the end of the day,” Ewers said.
