The Miami Dolphins have made a stunning and unexpected change at the quarterback position for their 2025 NFL season. Following a series of underwhelming performances, veteran starter Tua Tagovailoa has been benched. In a move that has surprised many, the team will now turn to rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers, who is set to make his first career NFL start against the Cincinnati Bengals.
From Texas Longhorns Star to Miami's Starting QB
For fans asking 'Who is Quinn Ewers?', the rookie arrives with a notable college pedigree. Ewers was a standout quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, playing a pivotal role in restoring the program to national prominence. He led Texas to back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances and finished his collegiate career as one of the most productive passers in the school's history.
On the Texas all-time lists, Ewers ranks third in both passing yards (over 9,000) and passing touchdowns (68). His most impressive season was in 2024, where he threw for 31 touchdowns and earned All-SEC and All-Big 12 honours. Despite this strong production, concerns over his arm strength and on-field consistency caused his draft stock to fall.
As a result, the Miami Dolphins were able to select him in the seventh round with the 231st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. While many teams were sceptical of his potential as a long-term starter, Miami's coaching staff valued his football intelligence, poise, and saw him as a worthwhile developmental project.
Why the Dolphins Made the Sudden Quarterback Switch
The decision to promote Ewers to starter came directly after the Dolphins' 28-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, a game where Tua Tagovailoa struggled significantly, particularly under defensive pressure. Head coach Mike McDaniel did not mince words after the game, stating the quarterback play was simply "not good enough" and hinting at imminent changes.
With the Dolphins officially eliminated from playoff contention, the franchise has decided to use the remaining games to evaluate its future options. Notably, the team chose Ewers over former first-round pick Zach Wilson, a clear signal that the coaching staff wants a thorough, live-action look at what the rookie can offer.
What Quinn Ewers Brings to the Dolphins Offence
At 22 years old, Quinn Ewers brings a specific skill set to the Miami huddle. He possesses solid size, a quick throwing release, and a reputation for reading defences effectively. His strengths lie in operating short and intermediate passing routes with good touch and anticipation, especially when given adequate protection.
However, his NFL journey begins with known questions. Scouts have consistently pointed to inconsistency with deep passes, pocket awareness against heavy blitzes, and an injury history that dates back to his college days. This start against the Bengals is a massive audition. It will determine whether he can develop into a franchise quarterback for Miami or if his ultimate role is that of a reliable backup.
For Quinn Ewers, this is the opportunity he has worked for since being drafted. For the Miami Dolphins, it is a critical evaluation of their potential future under centre. All eyes will be on the rookie as he steps onto the field, tasked with leading an NFL offence for the very first time.
