Following the Texas Longhorns’ 28-14 defeat to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl Classic, quarterback Quinn Ewers finds himself at a crossroads, with questions surrounding his future. College football analyst Colin Cowherd added to the discussion with a pointed critique of Ewers, whose options include entering the 2025 NFL Draft or returning to college football. However, if he chooses to stay in college, it seems unlikely he’ll remain the starter for Texas, with Arch Manning expected to take over next season.
Post-Game Performance and Criticism
Ewers completed 23 of 39 passes for 283 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in the playoff semifinal. While his performance had bright spots, it wasn’t enough to silence his critics. Cowherd, who had previously called Ewers “a liability,” offered a sarcastic remark on social media following the game, saying, “Guess I’m going to have to
start liking Quinn Ewers.”
This marked yet another instance of Cowherd publicly criticizing Ewers. Just a week earlier on his podcast, Cowherd had questioned the quarterback’s approach to the game, arguing it relied too much on athleticism rather than tactical execution. He noted Ewers’ tendency to rely on “jump balls” rather than making defined reads in the passing game, describing this as a flaw that limited Texas’ offensive potential.
Critique of the Texas Quarterback Situation
Despite criticizing head coach Steve Sarkisian in the past, Cowherd refrained from blaming him for the team’s shortcomings in this instance. Instead, he argued that the Longhorns have all the necessary tools for a national championship run, except for consistency at the quarterback position.
Cowherd speculated that both the Texas fanbase and football community are ready for a change, suggesting the team is poised to move on to Arch Manning as the starting quarterback next season. “No ifs, ands, or buts about it,” he remarked, emphasizing the inevitability of the transition.
Future Uncertainty for Quinn Ewers
As Ewers weighs his options, the pressure mounts. The Longhorns’ loss has intensified scrutiny of his performance and raised questions about whether he will stay at Texas, transfer to another school, or declare for the NFL Draft. For now, Cowherd’s critical comments echo a sentiment among some fans and analysts who view the quarterback as a polarizing figure within the Texas football program.
While Ewers’ future remains undecided, one thing is clear: his tenure at Texas has been met with mixed reactions, and the road ah
ead is uncertain.