Ohio State quarterback Quinn Ewers plans to enter the transfer portal after one season with the Buckeyes, the university confirmed on Friday evening. Ewers, who hailed from Texas high school football powerhouse Southlake Carroll, was originally a member of the 2022 recruiting class, but reclassified to the Class of 2021 as the No. 1 overall recruit to join the Buckeyes this season.
Ewers previously committed to Texas in August 2020 before de-committing two months later. Ewers is expected to consider the Longhorns, along with Texas A&M and Texas Tech, as a a transfer destination, according 247Sports' Chris Hummer. Ewers was fourth on the depth chart at Ohio State this season behind C.J. Stroud, Kyle McCord and Jack Miller III. He appeared in just one game -- Ohio State's blowout win over Michigan State -- and did not attempt a pass.
Though he was not a factor on the field for the Buckeyes, Ewers capitalized on new rules allowing college athletes to benefit off their name, image and likeness, signing an NIL deal reportedly worth $1.4 million over three years. A principle factor in Ewers' decision to reclassify and enroll at Ohio State a year early was the lack of NIL rights for high school players in Texas.
Because he appeared in just one game, the 2021 season won't count against Ewers' eligibility, meaning he should have four seasons left to play at his next destination. However, if Ewers lives up to his recruiting hype, he could be NFL Draft bound after just two more seasons of college football.
