Quinn Ewers & Michael Hawkins Jr. Partner With Dr. Pepper

Most fans probably watched the rivalry game between Texas and Oklahoma on Oct. 12, in which Texas emerged victorious 34-3.

However, most fans probably didn’t know the quarterbacks (QB) from each team were starring in a commercial leading up to the shootout. 

Ewers and Hawkins bring the rivalry to a new level

Texas quarterback QB Quinn Ewers and Oklahoma QB Michael Hawkins Jr. are each pictured sporting Dr. Pepper merchandise and cracking open a can of the famous soda. The overall message is that, despite the long-standing rivalry between both teams, each QB can respect the other’s choice of soda.

“As we mark Dr Pepper’s 10th anniversary of becoming the official sponsor of the College Football Playoffs, we welcome the new changes energizing the game, as it provides us with even greater opportunities to engage with both new and long-term fans, celebrating new beginnings while embracing the traditions of fandom together,” Dr Pepper’s chief marketing officer Andrew Springate previously said about the company’s investment in college sports.

This isn’t Ewers’ first time working with Dr. Pepper. He was recently featured in the brand’s third episode, “Calling for Backup” of their Fansville drama series. He portrays the sheriff of the fictional town and even pokes fun at his backup, Arch Manning.

The brand has worked with No. 1 draft picks Caleb Williams and Bryce Young in the past, so, they clearly only choose the best athletes to partner with.

Hawkins steps into the spotlight

Unlike Ewers, Hawkins is new to the brand. His appearance in the commercial is the first major Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal of his career.

He recently replaced the Sooners’ original starting quarterback, Jackson Arnold. He became Oklahoma’s starting quarterback before their matchup against Auburn the following week.

Not only was the rivalry game only Hawkins’ second career start, but he also became the first true freshman Oklahoma QB to start in the 119 matchups of the storied rivalry.

Ewers’ solid comeback

In the past, the rivalry has been a toss-up. Texas leads the series all-time at 64-51-5, after Saturday. Ewers led his team to the win and put up solid stats for his first game back in two weeks due to an abdominal injury.

Ewers’ performance was similar to that of his first Red River game (name of the series between the two teams) two years ago as a freshman. Similar to that year, Ewers had missed three games leading up to their 2022 matchup but led his team to a remarkable shutout.

“It’s been fun the past three years, and I’m super glad to be 2-1 (against Oklahoma), and over .500 in the game,” said Ewers, who two years ago threw four touchdowns in a 49-0 win. “The overall experience and atmosphere is, it’s unbeatable.”

Ewers was sacked on the first play of the game. A start like this might have rattled other signal callers. However, he went on to complete a respectable 20 of 29 passes and even rushed the ball into the endzone himself for the first time this season.

“A rough start, but overall I think we did a good job of overcoming some adversity early,” Ewers said according to AP News.

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated by the activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursuing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.