The college football transfer portal has been buzzing with speculation over Quinn Ewers, the former five-star recruit who had been the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns. Ewers, who arrived in Austin as one of the most hyped quarterbacks in recent memory, has reportedly been fielding offers from various programs looking to land his talents for the 2025 season. As rumors swirl, two schools have emerged as the leaders in the race: Ole Miss and Oklahoma. Each program brings its unique appeal, and both are eager to secure Ewers’ services to bolster their quarterback positions for the upcoming season.
Ewers originally transferred to Texas after a stint at Ohio State, looking to find more playing time. His debut with the Longhorns was met with mixed results, as he showed flashes of brilliance but also struggled with consistency at times. The decision to transfer again after just one season would mark another chapter in his career, which has already seen plenty of ups and downs. With Texas entering the SEC in the near future, Ewers’ decision to move on may also reflect his desire to play for a program where he feels he can thrive under more stable circumstances.
Ole Miss, led by head coach Lane Kiffin, has quickly become one of the top landing spots for quarterbacks in the transfer portal. Kiffin has cultivated an innovative, high-scoring offense that places a premium on quarterback play. The Rebels have been successful in recent seasons, and Kiffin’s offensive system has helped several quarterbacks develop and thrive. Ewers, with his strong arm and ability to make throws downfield, could fit perfectly into Kiffin’s fast-paced, pass-heavy attack. The prospect of working with Kiffin, who has a reputation for developing quarterbacks, has made Ole Miss a desirable destination for Ewers.
Oklahoma, under head coach Brent Venables, presents a different type of appeal. While the Sooners have experienced some coaching turnover, they remain a powerhouse in the Big 12 and boast one of the most storied football programs in the country. Oklahoma has been searching for stability at the quarterback position following the departure of Heisman-winning quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray. Ewers could provide that stability, as he would enter a system that is known for producing elite quarterbacks. The chance to compete at a high level and potentially lead Oklahoma back to the College Football Playoff would be a significant draw for Ewers.
The addition of a talent like Ewers would be a game-changer for either Ole Miss or Oklahoma. Both programs are on the rise in their respective conferences, and a strong quarterback could elevate them to even greater heights. Ewers’ skill set is undeniable: he possesses a powerful arm and the ability to make all the throws required at the collegiate level. His development, however, has been inconsistent, and he may be looking for a fresh start in an environment that maximizes his potential. Both Ole Miss and Oklahoma offer that opportunity.
The recruitment of Ewers will likely come down to several factors beyond just the offensive system. The relationship with the coaching staff, the chance to compete for starting honors, and the long-term stability of the program will be critical considerations for Ewers as he decides on his next step. Ewers is likely weighing how he can best develop as a quarterback while also considering the football culture and environment of each program. For a player of his caliber, the stakes are incredibly high, and making the right choice will be crucial for his future.
A key element in this transfer race is Ewers’ potential to play immediately. Both Ole Miss and Oklahoma have roster situations that could allow him to step in and compete right away. This would be important for Ewers, who is no stranger to competition. The opportunity to play immediately and continue his college career without sitting out a year could make either program an attractive option. The teams also have strong supporting casts around their quarterbacks, which could further convince Ewers that he can succeed with either team.
Another layer to this story is the recruiting landscape for each program. Ole Miss, despite being a bit of an underdog in comparison to Oklahoma, has been gaining momentum under Kiffin’s leadership. Kiffin’s ability to recruit high-level talent, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, has been impressive. Ewers would be joining a program that has a reputation for developing players at a fast pace and playing in a competitive SEC. On the other hand, Oklahoma’s rich tradition of success and the stability that comes with a top-tier program may be too much for Ewers to turn down. The chance to play at one of the most successful programs in recent history could ultimately sway him toward the Sooners.
While the attention on Ewers’ transfer situation continues to grow, one factor that may not be discussed enough is his desire to find a long-term home. After transferring once from Ohio State to Texas, and now considering a second move, there may be a sense of urgency for Ewers to settle into a program that offers the best opportunity for sustained success. Both Ole Miss and Oklahoma provide pathways to success, but the overall program stability and coaching continuity will be critical in his final decision. Ewers’ decision could have a significant impact on the trajectory of whichever program he ultimately chooses.
Ultimately, Quinn Ewers’ transfer saga is far from over, but the race is clearly tightening between Ole Miss and Oklahoma. As the two schools continue to battle for his commitment, it’s clear that Ewers’ next move will be crucial for his career. Whether he chooses to link up with Lane Kiffin’s innovative offense or seek stability and success at Oklahoma, Ewers has the chance to write a new chapter in his career that could set the stage for a highly successful future.