Quarterback Shuffle Commences as Several Standouts Enter Transfer Portal
ICARO Media Group
In a flurry of quarterback movement, Ohio State's Kyle McCord and Oklahoma's Dillon Gabriel headline a group of talented signal-callers who have entered the transfer portal on the first day of the 30-day window for football players to explore new opportunities. Joining them are Arizona State's Drew Pyne, Baylor's Blake Shapen, Utah's Bryson Barnes, and Georgia's Brock Vandagriff, among others.
Kyle McCord, who won the starting job over Devin Brown in the preseason, had an impressive season for Ohio State, throwing for 3,170 yards and 24 touchdowns with six interceptions. However, his performance was marred by two interceptions in the team's 30-24 loss to Michigan on November 25. The uncertain status of McCord's participation in the Buckeyes' upcoming Cotton Bowl game against Missouri has been a topic of speculation.
Dillon Gabriel, a transfer from UCF, played a crucial role in Oklahoma's resurgence after the departure of head coach Lincoln Riley and quarterback Caleb Williams. Notably, Gabriel led the Sooners on a game-winning drive against Texas, handing the Longhorns their lone loss as they reached the College Football Playoff. With impressive career numbers, including 6,828 passing yards, 55 touchdown passes, 688 rushing yards, and 18 rushing touchdowns in two seasons, Gabriel's departure raises questions about the Sooners' future.
Drew Pyne, who previously played for Notre Dame, is set to join his third school as he ventures to Arizona State. Pyne showed promise during his time at Notre Dame, throwing 22 touchdowns in 10 starts. Despite being on track for the starting role at Arizona State this season, an injury derailed his campaign, and he did not see any action beyond late September.
Meanwhile, Blake Shapen's decision to enter the transfer portal comes in the wake of Baylor's hiring of new offensive coordinator Jake Spavital. Shapen earned the starting position for the Bears late in the 2021 season but faced setbacks due to knee and head injuries. Nevertheless, he managed to average 273 passing yards per game and throw 13 touchdowns in eight contests.
In addition to the quarterbacks, several other notable players have also entered the transfer portal. Among them are Arizona State edge rusher B.J. Green II, Ohio State receiver Julian Fleming, Illinois running back Reggie Love, and Wisconsin receiver Chimere Dike.
As the transfer portal frenzy begins, the college football landscape is set for a significant shake-up as these talented players seek new opportunities to showcase their skills. With their impressive resumes and potential, these quarterbacks, alongside the other players entering the portal, will undoubtedly attract attention from programs across the nation eager to bolster their rosters.
(Note: The specific college football programs mentioned in the article are speculative and not confirmed destinations for the players entering the transfer portal.)