Mel Kiper has Texas QB Quinn Ewers atop NFL Draft board as QB1 and Heisman bettors see it the same way

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers opened some eyes — and likely made a lot of NFL money — with his performance last week against Michigan. And to think the season has only just begun.

“He is one of these unflappable quarterbacks you want to have under center,” ESPN’s NFL Draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. said on an ESPN podcast. “You can make a strong case right now that Quinn Ewers is QB1 in this draft.”

Sharp betters see it that way, too. Ewers has now become the betting favorite at BetMGM, and the Texas junior is +475 to win the Heisman Trophy. According to the implied futures market, Ewers has a 17.4% chance to become the Longhorns’ third Heisman winner ever.

“Ewers is the only quarterback who appeared in last year’s CFP and is still playing at the college level,” BetMGM wrote on its site. “He was a Heisman short-lister from the day the market opened, and his early play in 2024 has only underscored that.”

Granted, it’s still early. Texas has played only two games so far this young season. There are huge tests coming in rivalry games against Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas A&M. The Oct. 19 matchup against No. 1 Georgia will also be a major barometer.

But Texas coach Steve Sarkisian couldn’t talk enough about Ewers’ “cool, calm demeanor” on the sideline and how the public doesn’t see his frustrations when things go haywire. Ewers completed 24 of 36 passes for 246 yards and three touchdowns. His only interception this season has come off a tipped ball as he was trying to throw it away.

“(Ewers) just doesn't consume himself with what other people think," Sarkisian said. "He’s more focused on what he needs to do to perform. He's more focused on how he can support his teammates and be the best quarterback, leader and teammate that he can be.”

Summing up the Michigan performance, Sarkisian said, “The competitor in Quinn was pissed after that game. You know that? You know he felt like he's better than that.”

Related: Texas QB Quinn Ewers laughs off viral moment of disrespect from Michigan dad asking for Horns Down

In two games, Ewers has made a bend-it-like-Beckham touchdown throw to the right corner, a no-look touchdown pass through traffic over the middle and a high-arching touchdown pass to the back of the end zone.

“He’s in year three with us. It’s the leadership, and then because of the leadership, the guys around him are playing at a very high level,” Sarkisian said. “I think they have a ton of belief in him because of the work that he puts in.”

Sarkisian said there wasn’t a single throw against Michigan where Ewers was in danger of creating a turnover. “Man, how many times did he get to second, third and fourth reads in his progression and get completions and keep the chains moving,” Sarkisian said.

That’s the sure sign of an experienced quarterback. Ewers and the second-ranked Longhorns (2-0) look to keep it rolling Saturday as 35.5-point favorites against the UTSA Roadrunners (1-1).