The Miami Dolphins made what appears to be a necessary move on Wednesday morning when they announced that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa would be benched.
Quinn Ewers Named The Starting QB For The Dolphins
After a disappointing 6–8 season and an NFL-leading 15 interceptions, Miami’s front office and coaching staff opted for a change. With three games remaining on the schedule, the team will turn to rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers, likely signaling the end of Tagovailoa’s time as the full-time starter for the Dolphins.
A major move in Miami: the Dolphins are benching QB Tua Tagovailoa and turning to Quinn Ewers as their new starting QB, per sources.
Ewers’ first start comes Sunday vs. the Bengals. pic.twitter.com/lzs2J1EfjP
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 17, 2025
Who is Quinn Ewers and where did he come from?
A 22-year-old quarterback from San Antonio, Texas, Ewers was selected by the Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the 231st overall pick. Standing 6-2 and weighing around 209 pounds, Ewers was a standout collegiate player known for his strong arm and play making ability.
Ewers’ football journey began at Carroll Senior High School in Southlake, Texas, where he was one of the most highly rated quarterback recruits in the country in the Class of 2021. After an early enrollment at Ohio State, where he saw limited action, he transferred to the University of Texas. At Texas, Ewers quickly blossomed into a full-time starter, leading the Longhorns to a 33–10 record over three seasons and helping the program compete for Big 12 championships and College Football Playoff berths.
During his college career, Ewers threw for over 9,000 yards and 68 touchdowns. His performance earned him All-Conference honors and national recognition as one of the top passers in college football.
Ewers Dropped To The 7th Round Despite Collegiate Success
Despite his success at the collegiate level, Ewers was a surprise late-round pick in the NFL draft. Scouts praised his physical abilities and improvisational skills, but had some questions about consistency and decision-making, factors that may have contributed to his slide into the later rounds.
Quinn Ewers will make his first NFL start Sunday against the Bengals in Miami. Here’s what NFL scouts and coaches said before the draft about the No. 231 overall pick: https://t.co/SuD1PCuoqq pic.twitter.com/sG40jt1kFW
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 17, 2025
Ewers began the 2025 season as the third string quarterback for the Dolphins, behind Tagovailoa and Zach Wilson. He was inactive for much of the year until he made his NFL debut against the Browns in October, completing 5 of 8 passes for 53 yards in relief action.
Now, with the Dolphins officially moving on from Tua for the remainder of the season, Ewers will get his first full start this Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. For Miami fans, it’s a chance to see what the young quarterback can do with the team already eliminated from playoff contention.
