**He Was Supposed to Win Ohio State a National Title. Now, He’s Trying to Stop It from Happening**
As the Texas Longhorns gear up to face the Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff, an intriguing storyline has emerged: Quinn Ewers, once a promising Ohio State recruit, will now aim to derail his former team’s championship hopes. The narrative encapsulates the twists and turns of modern college football, where transfer decisions, name-image-likeness (NIL) deals, and individual ambitions frequently reshape team loyalties.
### **A Star Recruit with Lofty Expectations**
Quinn Ewers entered college football as one of the most highly touted quarterback prospects in recent memory. Ranked as the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2021, Ewers enrolled at Ohio State with immense expectations. Fans envisioned him as the player who could restore the Buckeyes to the pinnacle of college football, leading them to a national championship.
However, his tenure in Columbus was short-lived. Ewers spent just one season at Ohio State, sitting behind starting quarterback C.J. Stroud. Frustrated with limited playing opportunities and enticed by other offers, Ewers transferred to Texas in 2022.
### **The Journey to Texas**
Returning to his home state, Ewers quickly became the face of the Texas Longhorns’ revival. Over two seasons, he blossomed into one of the best quarterbacks in the nation, showcasing his elite arm talent and football IQ. His performances in marquee games propelled Texas back into national relevance and earned him a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Ironically, the road to a championship now runs through Ohio State—a team he was once destined to lead.
### **A Complex Matchup**
For Ewers, this playoff game is more than just a chance to compete for a title. It’s personal. His departure from Ohio State left many Buckeyes fans disappointed, with some questioning his commitment to the program. Now, as he leads Texas against his former team, Ewers has an opportunity to prove he made the right decision.
But the Buckeyes aren’t just another opponent. They remain one of the most complete teams in the nation, boasting a strong defense and a potent offense. Ewers will have to face a talented secondary and navigate a hostile environment filled with fans who once cheered for him.
### **Ohio State’s Perspective**
For Ohio State, the matchup is also a chance to move forward. Despite Ewers’ departure, the Buckeyes have continued to thrive, thanks in part to C.J. Stroud and a pipeline of talented recruits. Yet, seeing a former player succeed elsewhere has added an emotional layer to the game.
Ryan Day, Ohio State’s head coach, downplayed the storyline in media appearances, focusing on his current team’s preparation. “Quinn is a great player, and we wish him well,” Day said. “But our focus is on what we need to do to win this game.”
### **A Symbol of College Football’s Evolution**
The clash between Ewers and Ohio State symbolizes the ever-changing landscape of college football. The transfer portal, NIL deals, and shifting team dynamics have created a world where players can quickly move from one program to another, sometimes setting up dramatic matchups like this one.
Ewers’ decision to leave Ohio State was influenced by his desire for immediate playing time and better NIL opportunities at Texas. While it was a controversial move at the time, it has paid off for him personally, cementing his status as one of the game’s elite quarterbacks.
### **What’s at Stake?**
For both Ewers and Ohio State, this game carries enormous stakes. A win for Texas would validate Ewers’ decision to leave Ohio State and solidify his legacy in Longhorns history. For Ohio State, it’s a chance to prove that their program can withstand the loss of top recruits and still contend for national championships.
Regardless of the outcome, the game promises to be one of the most memorable in recent playoff history. For Ewers, it’s an opportunity to write the next chapter in his football journey—a chapter that could include denying Ohio State the national title he was once expected to deliver.
As the two teams prepare to face off, the weight of history and the unpredictability of college football collide, making this matchup one for the ages.
