Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers is rumored to have received a $6 million offer to return to college football next season, but not with the Longhorns. Ewers hasn’t yet declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, which isn’t entirely surprising given that Texas is still in the College Football Playoffs.
There’s talk that Ewers may return to college football and complete his final year of eligibility to enhance his draft stock for 2026; however, the Longhorns have confirmed that backup quarterback Arch Manning will start next season, suggesting that Ewers may need to transfer.
On3 Sports indicates that Ewers has received a significant offer from an unnamed school wanting to secure him for the next season. Though he was projected as a first-round pick this year, his draft stock has declined, suggesting he could be chosen in the second round if he declares now.
With a reported $6 million on the table and several teams showing interest, it seems increasingly likely that Ewers will stay in college for another year. Texas fans are eager to see Manning take the field next season, and the 19-year-old has already demonstrated the potential to follow in the footsteps of his successful family members.
Manning is the grandson of New Orleans Saints legend Archie Manning and the nephew of NFL legends Eli and Peyton Manning.
Throughout this season, fans and former Longhorns wide receiver Johntay Cook have voiced their preference for Manning to start over Ewers. Cook, who played two seasons with Ewers before transferring to Washington, expressed surprise at reports of Ewers being offered $6 million for the next season.
Responding to the news on X, Cook commented: “Wasting yall money fr (for real).”
Although he later deleted the post, several fans captured his reaction. As for Manning, his goal has always been to play for Texas, and head coach Steve Sarkisian believes he’ll be ready for the next season.
Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) on the field before the SEC college football game between Texas Longhorns and Georgia Bulldogs on October 19, 2024, at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, TX.
(Image: Getty Images)
When asked about his future plans, Manning recently stated: “I really have no plans on entering the portal or anything, so I don’t really know about it, the whole windows and everything.”
Ewers will finish this season with the Longhorns, facing Arizona State on Wednesday for a chance to advance to the semi-finals. If Texas progresses, they’ll face Oregon or Ohio State, providing Ewers with a significant opportunity to impress potential suitors for the next season.
Despite being No. 2 on the depth chart, Manning has demonstrated his maturity by maintaining a close friendship with Ewers and acknowledging the valuable lessons he’s learned from the Longhorns’ starter.
“Really, just what I’ve learned the most about Quinn is how he handles the media,” Manning shared with Orangebloods.
“He doesn’t really let that get to him. He treats me the same. I know it’s probably not easy for [him with] me being the backup; everyone’s trying to talk about it, but he doesn’t let it bother him at all. He’s just one of the guys. One of my good friends.”