Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers entered the 2024 college football season as a top NFL Draft prospect and one of the most marketable names in the NIL space. Despite leading Texas to the College Football Playoff, Ewers’ draft stock has slipped, fueling speculation about his next move.
While Ewers could still declare for the NFL Draft, whispers of a return to college are growing louder. If he does come back, it’s unlikely to be in Austin, as the Longhorns appear ready to hand the reins to Arch Manning for the 2025 season.
If Ewers enters the transfer portal, Notre Dame could emerge as an intriguing destination. Nick Shepkowski of SI Fighting Irish recently examined the Irish’s stance on transfer quarterbacks, highlighting the potential for a player like Ewers to change head coach Marcus Freeman’s mind about staying out of the portal.
In a December press conference, Freeman stated, “We have no plans on going to the transfer portal for a quarterback.”
However, as Shepkowski points out, Notre Dame faces a daunting start to the 2025 season with matchups against Texas A&M, Miami, and Arkansas. A proven, elite quarterback like Ewers could be the difference-maker in those games and a potential run to the College Football Playoff.
With current quarterback Riley Leonard exhausting his eligibility in 2024, the Fighting Irish will be searching for a new leader under center. Ewers, a two-time College Football Playoff participant, could be the perfect fit for Notre Dame’s 2025 aspirations.
Ewers’ decision—whether to enter the draft, return to college, or transfer—remains uncertain. If he chooses the portal, his NIL valuation, already an estimated $2.8 million according to On3 Sports, would skyrocket, as quarterback-needy programs across the country vie for his talents.
As the offseason looms, all eyes will be on Ewers, who could become one of the most sought-after transfer portal targets in college football history. Notre Dame, despite Freeman’s current stance, might find it hard to pass up the opportunity to secure such a game-changing player.
Quinn Ewers and the Texas Longhorns will take on the Arizona State Sun Devils on New Years Day at 12pm CT on ESPN.