Quarterback Quinn Ewers, the No. 1-ranked prospect overall in the 2022 class, decommitted from Texas on Wednesday.
It was a decision that will have a huge impact on the Longhorns but now could make a major impact on another program. Ewers tweeted his decision Wednesday night and said he will soon have a firm decision on where he will end up.
Just how soon is to be determined, but there were a few programs in the mix and under consideration for Ewers before he committed to Texas in August.
Here is a look at which schools could have a shot at Ewers and what's next for the Longhorns.
Alabama
The Crimson Tide were in the mix for Ewers before he committed to Texas and should be this time around as well. Alabama's offense is consistent, and the Tide do not yet have a quarterback committed in the 2022 class.
Alabama did sign Bryce Young, the No. 1-ranked dual-threat quarterback in the 2020 class, who is waiting his turn to play behind Mac Jones. Young will still have four years of eligibility after this season whether he redshirts or not because of the new COVID-19 rules. The staff also has ESPN 300 quarterback Jalen Milroe committed in the 2021 cycle.
While Alabama will always have a lot to sell to any recruit, it seems like the Tide are behind a few of the other schools on this list.
Clemson
The staff at Clemson has a lot to sell at quarterback as well with the success of Trevor Lawrence, who has a great shot to be the No. 1 overall NFL draft pick whenever he decides to leave.
Clemson has Taisun Phommachanh, an ESPN 300 quarterback from the 2019 class, as well as D.J. Uiagalelei, the No. 3-ranked quarterback overall in the 2020 class behind Young and Texas signee Hudson Card. Uiagalelei is sitting behind Lawrence this season, so he will have four years of eligibility left as well and at least two more years before he could consider the NFL.
Oklahoma
The Sooners were one of the contenders before Ewers committed, and even though Texas was a dream school for the talented quarterback, it seemed as though Oklahoma could have been a real destination spot for him.
Lincoln Riley's success at quarterback speaks for itself, and Oklahoma wouldn't be too far from home. Redshirt freshman Spencer Rattler is currently the starter for the Sooners. He was the top-ranked quarterback in the 2019 class and will have at least a couple more seasons at Oklahoma depending on his trajectory and career.
The Sooners signed ESPN 300 quarterback Chandler Morris in the 2020 class and have the No. 1 overall quarterback, Caleb Williams, committed in 2021. There would be no shortage of talent for Ewers to throw to, as the Sooners have seven ESPN 300 wide receiver commits from the 2019, 2020 and 2021 classes, including two No. 1-ranked receivers in Jadon Haselwood and Mario Williams Jr.
Ohio State
Of all the teams on this list, it might be the Buckeyes to whom fans should pay the most attention. There have been some rumors around Ohio State and Ewers, and some of the Buckeyes' commitments had been teasing about potential big news earlier in the week.
Whether that was teasing the decommitment or their efforts to get Ewers to join the class isn't known, but Ryan Day and quarterbacks coach Corey Dennis had Ohio State very much in the conversation before Ewers committed in August.
The Buckeyes didn't have an ESPN 300 quarterback commit in 2019, but the coaches brought in transfer Justin Fields. This is very likely the last season for Fields, as he could end up being a top-two NFL draft pick. The staff signed C.J. Stroud and Jack Miller, both ESPN 300 quarterbacks in the 2020 class, and has a commitment from Kyle McCord, the No. 4-ranked pocket passer in 2021.
If Ewers makes a decision quickly, it could be in favor of Ohio State.
Texas
The Longhorns aren't technically out of this recruitment, but it is very difficult to get back in after a decision like this without something major happening. Again, if Ewers makes a quick decision, it does not bode well for Texas.
The Longhorns are 3-2 this season and aren't showing improvement in key areas that are likely a concern for Ewers and his family regarding coach Tom Herman's future at Texas. This will be difficult for the Longhorns, but it's not 100 percent over for them.
Texas still has some good options at quarterback once current starter Sam Ehlinger leaves the program. Casey Thompson was an ESPN 300 quarterback in the 2018 class. Roschon Johnson, an ESPN 300 quarterback in the Class of 2019, moved to running back. The staff was able to land ESPN 300 quarterbacks Ja'Quinden Jackson and Hudson Card in the 2020 class, and both are still on the roster.
But that said, missing out on Ewers is still a big deal.