Quinn Ewers, a former quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, has drawn notice for both his decisions off the field and his on-field success as the 2025 NFL Draft draws near.

Notably, Ewers decided to declare for the NFL Draft rather than accept a $8 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offer to transfer to another university.

A Lucrative Start to College Career

Ewers reclassified to the 2021 class and enrolled early at Ohio State University to start his college career. He inked a three-year NIL contract with GT Sports Marketing, which focused on signature rights, for $1.4 million after joining the Buckeyes.

One of the first and most important NIL agreements after the NCAA’s rules change in 2021 was this one.

Success at Texas and NIL Earnings

Ewers became an outstanding quarterback at the University of Texas after transferring, helping the Longhorns to a 21-5 record over two seasons and two appearances to the College Football Playoffs. He reportedly made almost $6 million from numerous NIL transactions when he was at Texas.

Declining a Massive Transfer Offer

Ewers turned down a $8 million NIL offer to transfer to another college for his last year of eligibility, even though it would have allowed him to earn more.

His high school coach, Riley Dodge, emphasized Ewers’ loyalty, stating, “Texas was the only place he wanted to play college football. He wanted to leave Texas in good standing”.

NFL Draft Prospects

Different predictions have been made in response to Ewers’ decision to enter the NFL Draft. According to several scouts, he might be chosen in the late first or early third rounds.

Depending on their draft position, first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft are expected to get four-year contracts worth between $13.2 million and $42.2 million.

A Legacy Beyond College

Ewers’ decisions demonstrate his dedication to his values and long-term objectives. He has established a standard for future players navigating the changing landscape of college sports and NIL prospects by putting his growth and devotion to Texas ahead of short-term financial gain.

In an era of NIL, Ewers’ choices as he moves to the professional ranks continue to provoke debates about how to strike a balance between financial incentives and college commitment.