Trading Places
While I have been critical of how college sports is looking right now, I am actually in favor of the transfer portal (for the most part). Do some players abuse it? Of course, and we knew this was going to happen. But look how it helped someone like Joe Burrow. Couldn’t crack the starting lineup at Ohio State, but went to LSU and tore it up on his way to a national title, Heisman trophy, and became a first overall pick in 2020. Now as another college season is coming to an end, more quarterbacks have the same idea in mind. The portal is loaded with quarterbacks, and naturally teams need them. Is the team you support looking for a new signal caller? Where should the big names go? The answers could be in this article. Let’s break it all down.
DJ Uiagalelei
Most recent school - Oregon State
School before that- Clemson
Where he should go next - Ohio State
Columbus is looking for a new quarterback, more on this shortly. DJ was in a pro style offense with Oregon State and is transferring since the coach is leaving. The Buckeye offense has pro passing concepts that may not always require a big arm to execute, but having one is certainly a plus. DJ threw for 21 touchdowns to only seven interceptions in his lone season with the Beavers. He has an X-factor that the Buckeyes can take advantage of.
Kyle McCord
Most recent school - Ohio State
Where he should go next - Notre Dame
The Irish lately have gone with experienced college quarterbacks, most recently with Sam Hartman. McCord fits the bill here too. 24 touchdowns to six interceptions in year one as a starter is a solid stat line. For whatever reason, McCord is looking for a new home and Notre Dame seems like a good place for him.
Dillion Gabriel
Most recent school - Oklahoma
School before that - UCF
Where he should go next - LSU
Gabriel has some movement skills which is what the Tigers were used to with Jaylen Daniels, who is heading to the NFL. Gabriel ran for 12 touchdowns on top of throwing for 30 and over 3,600 yards. He brings experience as a sixth year player and should keep LSU in the hunt next season as a reliable player who does not turn the ball over much.
Cam Ward
Most recent school - Washington State
Where he should go next - Washington
Well, this would be awkward. But it makes sense. These two teams have seen a lot each other. Ward’s best year came in his second as starter when he threw for 47 touchdowns. The Huskies are set to lose some talent in the draft, including Penix who has been the QB for the last two years. Ward could slide in and they would pick up where they left off as they continue to build the offense up.
Riley Leonard
Most recent school - Duke
Where he should go next - Texas A&M
For the record, I am not happy that Mike Elko is leaving Duke. No sense in beating a dead horse, you know why. But if you are going to leave, it makes sense to bring the quarterback with you. His season was cut short due to a pretty bad ankle injury, but has combined 24 passing touchdowns at Duke with over 4,400 passing yards and 19 combined rushing touchdowns. His highest ground total was 699 in 2022. The Aggies are looking for a fresh start, and this would help as Elko returns to the school where he served as the defensive coordinator.
Grayson McCall
Most recent school - Coastal Carolina
Where he should go next - Michigan
JJ McCarthy will most likely declare for the draft, so this makes so much sense. McCall has played in a part triple option system in Coastal Carolina where there was a good balance of running and passing. Michigan is no different with that plan. McCall has thrown for over 10,000 yards with 88 touchdowns to 14 picks, and has run for a little over 1,000 yards and 18 touchdowns. He is plug and play in a similar system as he looks to boost his draft stock.