NFL Draft Picture Shifting in Austin

This season has already brought plenty of excitement to Austin, Texas, especially when it comes to the college football landscape. As we look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, the order is taking shape differently than many fans might have thought at the beginning of the season.

In the spotlight is Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers, who has faced challenges this season due to injury. Ewers, originally regarded as a standout talent and the No. 1 overall recruit, has seen his draft outlook complicated by his inability to play consistently. In his absence, Texas has looked to Arch Manning, the highly regarded freshman and the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning.

Manning has impressively stepped up, starting in two games so far this season. He’s completed an impressive 70.5% of his passes, racking up 901 yards, and throwing nine touchdowns against just two interceptions. His performance has sparked conversations about his potential in the NFL, especially if Ewers decides to return for another season.

Looking back, last season saw Will Howard at Kansas State, who was expected to be a top 100 pick but opted to transfer to Ohio State, giving way for freshman Avery Johnson to take over. This year, if Ewers chooses to stay in college instead of entering the draft, it raises unique dilemmas for the Longhorns. While Texas may not push him away, they may struggle to match the nil deals offered by competing programs.

As the Longhorns prepare for Ewers’ reported return next weekend against Oklahoma, all eyes will be on how his comeback impacts Manning and the overall draft outlook. The 2025 NFL Draft scene is evolving, and we can expect more intriguing developments as the season progresses. Stay tuned for more updates and insights on college football and the upcoming NFL Draft.