Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers used to walk into a room and his hair would basically arrive five seconds before he did. It was glorious. It was loud. It was a bleached-blonde, shaggy, "business-in-the-front" masterpiece that became a literal mascot for the early NIL era of college football.
But then, he chopped it.
The Quinn Ewers long hair era ended in a barber chair in early 2023, and people honestly lost their minds. Fans were worried he’d lose his "Samson" powers. Marketing execs probably shed a tear over the lost branding potential. But for Ewers, it wasn't just about a style change; it was about changing how the world looked at a kid who was suddenly carrying the weight of a blue-blood program on his shoulders.
Why the Mullet Actually Mattered (It Wasn't Just Fashion)
You’ve gotta understand the context of 2021 and 2022. Quinn Ewers wasn't just a regular recruit; he was the first real "NIL superstar." He skipped his senior year of high school to enroll at Ohio State, largely because Texas state laws at the time didn't allow high schoolers to make money off their Name, Image, and Likeness.
The hair was part of the package.
🔗 Read more: Who Won the Golf Tournament This Weekend: Richard T. Lee and the 2026 Season Kickoff
Opendorse CEO Blake Lawrence famously called it a "million-dollar mullet." That wasn't an exaggeration. Wrangler, the legendary denim brand, signed him specifically because he looked like a throwback Texas heartthrob. He had the swagger of a 1980s rock star mixed with the arm talent of a generational QB.
- The Origin: He started growing it in 9th grade at Southlake Carroll.
- The Tradition: Bleaching it blonde was a tribute to a former coach, a Southlake tradition that he carried into the national spotlight.
- The Reach: By the time he transferred to Texas, the mullet was long enough to flow out the back of his helmet, creating one of the most iconic silhouettes in the sport.
The Great Cut of 2023: What Changed?
In February 2023, a photo popped up on wide receiver Xavier Worthy’s Instagram. It was Quinn, but... different. The flowing locks were gone. He had a clean-cut, almost buzz-cut style on the sides with a short top.
He looked like a different person. Honestly, he looked like a guy ready to go to work.
Steve Sarkisian, the Texas head coach, didn't mince words about the change. He mentioned that "perception proceeds you." Basically, while the mullet was cool for a high school phenom, it carried a "party boy" vibe that didn't necessarily scream "disciplined leader of a National Championship contender."
💡 You might also like: The Truth About the Memphis Grizzlies Record 2025: Why the Standings Don't Tell the Whole Story
Ewers himself admitted on RG3’s podcast that the maintenance was just too much. He said he had to spend 30 minutes just washing and cleaning it. When you’re trying to beat Alabama and navigate the SEC, 30 minutes of hair care is 30 minutes you aren't in the film room.
Branding Beyond the Hair
Many people thought cutting the Quinn Ewers long hair would tank his NIL value. It did the opposite.
Since the haircut, he’s landed deals with:
- Dr. Pepper (appearing in the iconic Fansville commercials).
- EA Sports (as a cover athlete for College Football 25).
- Rhoback (a six-figure apparel deal).
- Nicholas Air (private jet travel—yeah, he’s doing okay).
The transition from the "mullet kid" to the "serious professional" allowed brands to see him as a long-term investment rather than a viral trend. It signaled that he was maturing. His teammates noticed it, too. Ja’Tavion Sanders, the former Longhorns tight end, said the haircut turned Quinn from a "kid to an adult."
📖 Related: The Division 2 National Championship Game: How Ferris State Just Redrew the Record Books
The Science of the "Samson Effect"
There’s a funny superstition in sports. When a player with a signature look changes it, fans freak out. Remember when Noah Syndergaard cut his hair? Or when hair-based brands like Anthony Davis (the brow) or James Harden (the beard) have to maintain a look for the sake of the logo?
Ewers defied that.
After cutting the hair, he led Texas to a Big 12 Championship and a College Football Playoff berth. He threw for over 3,400 yards in 2023. He proved that the "superpower" was in his right arm, not the bleached strands on the back of his neck.
What We Can Learn From the Quinn Ewers Hair Saga
If you’re looking at this from a branding or personal growth perspective, there are a few real takeaways here:
- Own your look, until it owns you. The mullet made Quinn famous, but he knew when to pivot so it didn't define him forever.
- Perception is reality in leadership. Whether it’s fair or not, how you look affects how people trust you to lead.
- Function over fashion. If your "brand" is taking 30 minutes away from your core job every morning, it might be time for a change.
Quinn Ewers might be a Miami Dolphin now—drafted in the 7th round of the 2025 NFL Draft—but Longhorn fans will always remember the "Million Dollar Mullet." It was a moment in time when college football changed forever, and it had a very specific, very blonde hairstyle to lead the way.
Next Steps for Fans and Brand Builders:
If you're tracking Quinn's career into the NFL, keep an eye on his partnership with Rhoback and Athletic Brewing. They’ve shifted their marketing from "the look" to "the grind," which is a masterclass in evolving an athlete's brand. For those looking to replicate his NIL success, focus on a signature element that is easily identifiable but doesn't distract from the actual performance on the field.