Sources: Quinn Ewers' return to Texas becoming more likely - ESPN

The likelihood of star quarterback Quinn Ewers returning to Texas and playing a fourth season of college football has increased exponentially in the past few weeks, sources told ESPN.

Ewers, 20, will be making the 21st start of his college career Saturday in the Big 12 title game. Sources told ESPN that the feeling in his camp is increasing that another year of development would best position him for long-term success in the NFL.

A decision on Ewers' intentions for 2024 could come as early as this upcoming week, per ESPN sources. Part of his timing is expected to be tied to the NCAA transfer portal, which opens Monday. Ewers' return would be a lure for top stars to come to Texas and play with him, especially at wide receiver.

Ewers enrolled in college early, choosing Ohio State in 2021 instead of playing his senior year of high school at Southlake Carroll in the Dallas area. Ewers played sparingly behind C.J. Stroud at Ohio State and transferred after the season. He won the starting job at Texas in 2022, and remains short of the 25 starts that's considered a line of demarcation for NFL success for college quarterbacks.

Ewers has put together an outstanding redshirt sophomore season at Texas, leading the Big 12 with 69.8% completion percentage. He led Texas to one of the sport's most impressive wins this season, throwing for 349 yards and three touchdowns in a 34-24 win at Alabama in September. That game impressed NFL evaluators because of the opponent, venue and stage.

Ewers is averaging 270.9 passing yards, which is second in the Big 12. He has thrown for 2,709 yards on the season and has the chance to surpass 3,000 yards against Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game Saturday.

Ewers has thrown for 17 touchdowns this season