In a stunning development that has set the college football world abuzz, Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers has been named the recipient of the 2025 MVP of the Year award, capping off a season filled with remarkable performances and polarizing opinions. While the 21-year-old has undoubtedly been one of the standout players of the season, leading the Longhorns to a dominant campaign in the Big 12, his MVP recognition has been met with criticism from some of his rivals and their supporters, igniting a debate that stretches well beyond the gridiron.
Ewers, who transferred to Texas from Ohio State in 2022, entered his sophomore season with high expectations. He did not disappoint, throwing for 3,800 yards, 35 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions, all while leading the Longhorns to an 11-2 record. His pinpoint accuracy, poise under pressure, and ability to make big plays in crucial moments became the hallmark of his game. Under his leadership, Texas emerged as one of the most dangerous teams in college football, finishing the regular season as the No. 4 team in the nation and earning a spot in the College Football Playoff.
The MVP award, voted on by a panel of sportswriters, coaches, and former players, recognized Ewers’ significant impact on the Longhorns’ success. His ability to elevate the play of his teammates, especially standout wide receivers like Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell, was a key factor in Texas’ offensive juggernaut. Ewers’ leadership both on and off the field has been lauded by coaches and analysts alike, with many praising his maturity and growth since his rocky first year at Texas.
However, the award has not come without its fair share of controversy. Many rival teams and their fanbases have voiced objections to Ewers’ selection, citing what they perceive as a lack of consistency in his performances, particularly in big games. Texas’ two losses this season, one of which came in a high-profile matchup against Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry, have raised questions about his ability to perform under pressure. In that game, Ewers threw two costly interceptions and missed several key passes in the second half, which ultimately led to a 34-27 loss for the Longhorns.
Oklahoma fans, in particular, have been vocal in their opposition to Ewers’ MVP bid, arguing that their quarterback, Dillon Gabriel, had a more consistent season, with fewer turnovers and a higher completion percentage. Gabriel, who threw for 3,500 yards and 30 touchdowns this year, guided the Sooners to an 11-2 record as well, including a win over Texas. Critics point to Ewers’ subpar performance in that game as a glaring reason why he should not have been considered for the MVP honor.
Further fueling the fire, some have argued that Ewers’ success can be attributed more to the talent surrounding him than his own individual prowess. Texas’ offensive line was one of the best in the nation, and Ewers benefitted from elite playmakers at nearly every position. Critics contend that while he had an excellent season, other quarterbacks such as Gabriel or even Jalen Milroe of Alabama, who had similarly impressive statistics, did not receive the same level of recognition due to less star-studded supporting casts.
Despite these claims, Ewers’ supporters argue that his individual talent and ability to perform when it mattered most cannot be ignored. In several key games this season, including a comeback victory against Kansas State and a dominant performance in the Big 12 Championship, Ewers demonstrated why he was the heart of the Longhorns’ offense. His poised leadership and ability to make critical throws in clutch moments solidified his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the country.
As the Texas Longhorns prepare for their upcoming playoff games, Quinn Ewers has already etched his name in the annals of Texas football history. While the debate surrounding his MVP status will undoubtedly continue, there’s no denying the impact he has had on his team’s success this season. The coming weeks will provide an opportunity for Ewers to further solidify his legacy and prove, once and for all, that his MVP award was well-earned, regardless of the controversy it has sparked.
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