Why Did Quinn Ewers Walk Away from the NFL Draft? 5-Star QB’s Shocking Commitment to Tennessee Has Everyone Talking
In a move that’s left fans, analysts, and NFL scouts stunned, star quarterback Quinn Ewers has officially withdrawn his name from the upcoming NFL Draft — and what he did next has the entire college football world buzzing.
Rather than taking the leap to the pros, Ewers, a former five-star recruit and one of college football’s most talked-about QBs, is returning to the NCAA. But not to Texas. In a shocking twist, he’s committed to play for the Tennessee Volunteers in the 2025 season, igniting a firestorm of conversation across the sport.
The Decision That Shook the Draft Boards
Heading into the offseason, Ewers was widely projected as a first-round pick, with several teams viewing him as a potential franchise quarterback. After a strong season at Texas where he showcased elite arm talent, improved poise in the pocket, and leadership under pressure, his draft stock was soaring.
So why the sudden pivot?
Sources close to Ewers suggest that the quarterback wasn’t satisfied with his potential landing spots in the NFL and wanted one more season to refine his game and control his own narrative. Enter Tennessee — a rising SEC powerhouse with a dynamic offense and a head coach in Josh Heupel who’s known for turning quarterbacks into stars.
“He’s betting on himself,” a source familiar with the situation said. “This is about legacy, development, and showing he’s not just a good quarterback — but a great one.”
Tennessee’s Surprise Coup
Tennessee, which has been aggressively reloading its roster and building national momentum, now lands one of the biggest prizes in college football. The addition of Ewers instantly boosts the Volunteers’ national title hopes and elevates their status in a crowded SEC race.
The move is seen as both bold and brilliant — giving Ewers full control of an offense tailored to his strengths and a stage that could launch him into Heisman contention and solidify a top-five draft spot next year.
“It’s not often a player of Ewers’ caliber makes a move this daring,” said ESPN analyst Greg McElroy. “But Tennessee gives him the tools, the spotlight, and the freedom to prove he’s elite.”
What It Means for Texas and the NFL
For Texas, Ewers’ departure opens the door for Arch Manning — the high-profile backup and heir apparent. While Longhorns fans will be eager to see what Manning can do, losing a proven star like Ewers certainly changes expectations for the 2025 season.
NFL teams, meanwhile, will have to wait another year. For some quarterback-needy franchises, Ewers’ decision could shake up draft boards and strategy heading into April.
The Bigger Picture
Ewers’ decision isn’t just about football — it reflects the evolving landscape of college athletics. With NIL deals, transfer flexibility, and media control, elite players now have more power than ever. And Ewers is using that power to rewrite his story.
Whether this bold move pays off remains to be seen — but one thing’s for sure: Quinn Ewers to Tennessee is one of the biggest twists of the offseason… and the college football world will be watching every snap.
