COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ryan Day has been keeping an eye on Quinn Ewers since the latter was in the eighth grade; soon, he will have the chance to observe his former recruit from across the field during the Cotton Bowl.

Ewers is now preparing to conclude his third season as the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, with the big matchup against Day’s Ohio State team set for January 10.

Once the top prospect nationally after he reclassified to the Class of 2021, Ewers had a brief stint in Columbus, where his talent was clear from a young age. Before his tenure at Ohio State, he was a standout junior high player who attended a camp hosted by the Buckeyes. Day noted that Ewers displayed a remarkable throwing technique even then.

“I remember talking to him and his father, saying, ‘You have a bright future in football ahead of you,’” Day reminisced last Friday as the on-field reunion approached. “I don’t know if it was right or wrong, but we offered him a scholarship to Ohio State, even back in eighth grade. I’m unsure about the legality of that, but we went ahead and did it.”

As the recruitment process unfolded, things took an unusual turn when Ewers committed to Ohio State right in the middle of their preseason camp. “It was a bit unconventional, but in college football, one must adapt as best as they can,” he added.

However, the partnership didn’t culminate in the perfect narrative, even though both players have excelled on separate journeys toward the ultimate goal: securing a national championship. CJ Stroud stepped into the Ohio State quarterback role and quickly became a star, ultimately being selected second overall by the Houston Texans in the 2023 NFL Draft.

On the other hand, Ewers opted for Texas, aiming for a more immediate opportunity as a starter. Throughout his time with the Longhorns, he has amassed impressive stats, throwing for 8,845 yards and achieving 66 touchdowns against 23 interceptions.

“While it was disappointing for us, we completely understood his decision,” Day expressed. “From a distance, I’ve followed his career, and he’s undeniably talented. He hails from a wonderful family and has had a remarkable journey at Texas.”

“Many people associated with Ohio State maintain strong relationships with him and hold him in high regard,” he added.

As the Buckeyes’ head coach and his former prodigy prepare to meet once again, this time on opposite teams, the excitement for the upcoming clash continues to grow.