Quinn Ewers vs. Shedeur Sanders: Who's the better QB going into 2024 CFB season?
As they enter what will likely be their final season of college football, Quinn Ewers and Shedeur Sanders are both viewed as potential early first round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. While the Texas Longhorns are expected to be College Football Playoff contenders in their first season in the SEC, there is no clear expectation for the Colorado Buffaloes' return to the Big 12 (after leaving in 2010).
Both quarterbacks will look to build off an impressive 2023 season and solidify their status as top draft prospects. Let's compare them below and see who can potentially be the better player this year.
Is Quinn Ewers or Shedeur Sanders the better QB going into 2024 CFB season?
Quinn Ewers
Ewers initially joined the Ohio State Buckeyes as a five-star prospect and the top-ranked overall player in the 2021 recruiting class. He was just the second quarterback in the history of the platform to earn a perfect 100 rating from 247 Sports—joining Vince Young on a list that Texas Longhorns teammate Arch Manning joined in 2023.
After redshirting his true freshman season with the Buckeyes, Ewers joined the Longhorns via the transfer portal. He threw for 2,177 yards, 15 touchdowns and six interceptions in his first year with the program. The highly-touted prospect competed 58.1% of his passes while adding one rushing touchdown.
He followed that up by throwing for 3,479 yards, 22 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2023. Ewers completed 69.0% of his passes and ran for five touchdowns while leading Texas to a College Football Playoff appearance.
Shedeur Sanders
Sanders initially joined the Jackson State Tigers as a three-star prospect from the 2021 recruiting class. He threw for 3,231 yards, 30 touchdowns and eight interceptions as a true freshman, while completing 65.9% of his passes and adding three rushing touchdowns.
The following season, Sanders finished with 3,732 passing yards, 40 touchdowns and six interceptions. He completed 70.6% of his passes and ran for three touchdowns.
Ahead of his junior season, he joined the Colorado Buffaloes via the transfer portal. He thrived in his first season of FBS play, throwing for 3,230 yards, 27 touchdowns and three interceptions, while completing 69.3% of his passes and adding four touchdowns on the ground.
Who is the better player entering the 2024 season?
While Ewers has a better chance of capturing a national title in 2024, Sanders is likely the better individual player.
The Texas Longhorns' status as legitimate College Football Playoff contenders has led to the former having better Heisman Trophy odds. However, the Colorado Buffaloes quarterback is expected to have a better individual season and is more likely to be the first of the two to hear his name called in the 2025 NFL Draft.