The NCAA’s new legislation allowing athletes to profit on their Name, Image and Likeness has already made its mark on the collegiate landscape. Now, the rules are beginning to alter the trajectory of high school athletics, as well.
On Monday, quarterback Quinn Ewers, the top-ranked high school football player in the class of 2022, announced that he will skip his senior year to enroll early at Ohio State.
“Over the past few weeks, following Texas’ UIL informing me I would be prohibited from profiting off my own name, image and likeness, I’ve taken time to think about what lies ahead of me, both in the short and long term,” Ewers wrote on Twitter.
“It’s unfortunate I’ve found myself in this situation, as my preference would have been to complete my senior season at Southlake Carroll along with the teammates and friends I’ve taken the field alongside for the past three years.”
Had Ewers remained in high school for his senior season, Texas state law would have precluded him from profiting off NIL deals. At Ohio State, he has the potential to make nearly a million dollars as a freshman, with an array of national brands already showing interest in a partnership.
Ewers threw for 6,445 yards and 73 touchdowns across two seasons as the starter at Southlake Carroll High School, a perennial Texas football powerhouse. He had originally committed to Texas, before decommitting in October.
Upon arriving in Columbus, Ewers will join a wide open quarterback competition, with the Buckeyes having to replace two-year starter Justin Fields. Three quarterbacks, each of who is yet to attempt a collegiate pass, are currently vying for the starting job.