As the 2024 college football season winds down and Texas firmly turns the page to Arch Manning for 2025 and beyond, Quinn Ewers’ future is suddenly in question. The highly touted quarterback, who transferred to Texas in 2021 after a short stint at Ohio State, showed flashes of brilliance but also inconsistencies throughout his time in Austin. With Manning—the No. 1 quarterback prospect in the 2023 class—ready to take the reins at Texas, Ewers will likely seek a fresh start at a new program for his final college season.
While Ewers could enter the NFL Draft, there are several transfer destinations that could provide him with the opportunity to prove himself as a top-tier quarterback at the collegiate level. Here are four potential landing spots for the 2025 season that could benefit both Ewers’ career and the programs in need of a quarterback:
Florida State is on the rise under head coach Mike Norvell, and their current success on the field makes them an attractive destination for any quarterback. The Seminoles have been led by Jordan Travis, who has made great strides throughout his career. However, Travis will likely be leaving after 2024, and FSU will need a quarterback who can continue the upward trajectory of the program.
Ewers, with his elite arm strength and playmaking ability, could slot in seamlessly. Florida State’s offense, built around dynamic skill players like running back Trey Benson and wide receiver Johnny Wilson, would give Ewers a strong supporting cast. His ability to stretch the field with deep passes would complement FSU’s existing system, making it a win-win situation for both parties.
Oregon has emerged as a contender in the Pac-12 under head coach Dan Lanning, and Ewers could be the perfect fit to help push the Ducks to the next level. Oregon’s offense has been dynamic, led by quarterback Bo Nix, who is expected to move on after 2024. The Ducks have recruited well, building a stable of talented playmakers, and they have a program on the rise in both the conference and nationally.
For Ewers, Oregon would present an ideal situation with their explosive offense, which relies on both a strong running game and downfield passing. Given Ewers’ skill set, he could thrive in this system and gain exposure in a high-profile program, all while potentially leading the Ducks to a College Football Playoff berth.
Alabama is another program poised for a quarterback upgrade in 2025. After several years of stability at the position with Bryce Young and Jalen Hurts, the Crimson Tide has struggled to find consistent play under center in recent seasons. With Nick Saban’s ability to recruit top-tier talent, Alabama will likely be in the market for an experienced quarterback who can handle the pressure and expectations of playing for the Tide.
Ewers, with his strong arm and leadership potential, could be just what Alabama needs. The team’s defense and running game are consistently elite, so Ewers wouldn’t need to carry the team alone. If he can find consistency in his accuracy and decision-making, Alabama could quickly become a contender for the national title with Ewers at the helm.
Washington is coming off a remarkable 2023 season, where Michael Penix Jr. put together a Heisman-worthy campaign. Penix will likely move on to the NFL after 2024, which will leave a significant void for the Huskies. Washington has one of the best offenses in the nation, led by offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, and Ewers would be walking into a system that has proven it can maximize a quarterback’s potential.
With standout wide receivers like Rome Odunze and Jalen McMillan returning, Ewers would have the weapons to thrive. Additionally, the Washington offense is known for its vertical passing game, which suits Ewers’ strengths. A one-year stint at Washington could be the perfect way for Ewers to solidify his status as an NFL prospect while helping the Huskies maintain their elite status.
The 2025 transfer portal will likely see some big names looking for fresh starts, and Quinn Ewers will undoubtedly be one of the most intriguing quarterbacks available. Florida State, Oregon, Alabama, and Washington are four schools that not only need a quarterback but also offer the resources and system to help Ewers flourish. Wherever Ewers lands, he’ll need to demonstrate the consistency and decision-making that were often lacking during his time at Texas. But with the right fit, a strong supporting cast, and a proven coaching staff, he could make a significant impact and position himself for a successful professional career.