AUSTIN, Texas — Before becoming instrumental in Texas’ return to prominence in college football, Quinn Ewers made a significant decision to leave for Ohio State, attracted by financial incentives and the opportunity to join a nationally competitive program. Upon arriving in Columbus amidst training camp, he found himself buried on the depth chart for a semester before returning to Texas to take on the role of leader in head coach Steve Sarkisian’s rebuilding efforts.

This Friday, Ewers will confront his former team as the fifth-seeded Longhorns (13-2) square off against the eighth-seeded Buckeyes (12-2) in a College Football Playoff semifinal at the Cotton Bowl.

Ewers mentioned this week the motivation behind his return to Texas: “I wanted to be closer to my roots and rekindle relationships I had built over the years in Texas.” Having grown up in the suburban Dallas area, Ewers developed a remarkable throwing technique and emerged as a star at Southlake Carroll High School, eventually earning the title of the top quarterback recruit in the nation.

His exceptional talent garnered attention from numerous programs, including Ohio State. Coach Ryan Day had noted his promise during a recruiting camp when Ewers was only in the eighth grade. “I was impressed by his delivery,” Day recalled, stating that he even offered Ewers a scholarship at that early stage, which was borderline unprecedented. “I’m not sure if that was against the rules, but we made the offer.”

Despite his commitment to Texas in 2020, Ewers decided to switch to Ohio State as the Longhorns struggled under coach Tom Herman. The Buckeyes were a consistent playoff competitor and had lucrative opportunities for players. At the time, Texas law prohibited high school athletes from profiting, while Ewers quickly secured nearly $1.5 million through a name, image, and likeness deal at Ohio State after reclassifying to a senior and leaving high school early.

Reflecting on his decision, Ewers stated, “Our family recognized the opportunity ahead of us. It made sense for me to enroll at Ohio State and help improve our family’s financial situation.” He emphasized that his primary draw to Ohio State was the strong bond he established with the coaching team and the chance to engage in winning football.

However, financial gains did not translate into playing time. In Ewers’ freshman year, C.J. Stroud emerged as the starting quarterback while he acclimated to the college environment. “I had to mature quickly. It was a shock to join the intensity of college football during the fall camp,” he recalled.

Ewers got only two snaps on the field that season without making a pass while building rapport with teammates, including Jack Sawyer, who has since become a standout defensive player at Ohio State. “The atmosphere there was wonderful, and I truly felt a sense of belonging,” Ewers noted.

Yet, while observing from the sidelines in Ohio, Ewers saw Texas struggle through a 5-7 season under Sarkisian, which prompted an opportunity for him to return home. Recognizing a need for change, Sarkisian welcomed Ewers back into the program, and he quickly secured the starting position for the opening game of the 2022 season after arriving in time for spring practices.

Ewers has overcome several injuries over his three seasons but boasts a starting record of 27-8. In 2023, he led Texas to its first Big 12 championship in 15 years and into the SEC championship game during their final season in that conference. This makes Texas the only team from last year’s playoff field to return in the expanded 12-team format this season.

As he heads into the matchup against his previous team, Ewers has amassed 8,845 career passing yards and 66 touchdowns, placing him third in Texas history. With a year of eligibility remaining, there are indications he will declare for the NFL Draft, paving the way for backup Arch Manning.

Ewers showcased his skills in a dramatic Peach Bowl victory over Arizona State last week, where his final three passes resulted in touchdowns, setting the stage for a potentially triumphant conclusion to the season.

Coach Sarkisian commented on Ewers’ development, noting that when he first returned to Texas, he was still essentially a freshman. His growth into a commanding leader and his ability to perform under pressure speak volumes about his maturation, both mentally and physically.