The college football transfer portal opened last week, and most of the top quarterbacks in the portal have yet to choose a new school. For quarterbacks, especially those transferring in this cycle, it is imperative that they make wise decisions.
Unlike recruiting from high school to college, the NCAA portal provides a more accurate predictor of success as coaches can evaluate players against college competition. Louisville, Kentucky and North Carolina are among the Power 5 teams to have already landed a transfer signal-caller, and power programs like Ohio State, Miami, Michigan, Florida State and Notre Dame also could be in the market for transfers.
Let’s find perfect fits for 10 transfers in the portal, starting with a big-time school for Washington State’s former starter:
Cam Ward, QB
Transferring from: Washington State
Best fit: Ohio State
Why Ward fits here: If he wants a shot at winning a championship it has to be Ohio State. He would bring Justin Fields elements to the offense. While USC looks attractive on the surface, it will be more of a rebuild in 2024. Ward brings the athletic ability and quick release the Buckeyes need in their offense. He can be risky with the football at times but is also very productive and capable of making magical plays. Ward would develop better habits under Ryan Day’s coaching and become a perfect fit to take over OSU’s offense.
Dante Moore, QB
Transferring from: UCLA
Why Moore fits here: Moore is likely at the top of a lot of people’s boards because of his upside, eligibility and flashes he showed this fall at UCLA. Going to Michigan makes sense for Moore, a Detroit native, who would get to go back home and compete for a championship every year during his remaining eligibility. He’s not quite the same runner, but as a passer, he has a lot of the same traits Jayden Daniels possesses.
Will Howard, QB
Transferring from: Kansas State
Best fit: USC
Why Howard fits here: One of three quarterbacks on this list who has won a championship, Howard is a perfect match for USC. Howard has played in a more conservative ground approach at K-State, and a season under Lincoln Riley’s leadership could transform him as a passer because accuracy and decision-making are still issues for Howard. The elite arm strength is definitely there to mold. USC is rebuilding in a lot of areas, but Riley’s track record with quarterbacks is unmatched.
DJ Uiagalelei, QB
Transferring from: Oregon State
Best fit: Florida State
Why Uiagalelei fits here: At this point, with DJU, what you see is what you get. Uiagalelei has completed over 60% of his passes for a season just once in his career. He was up and down this season for the Beavers, but it did seem like a better fit for him. His former coach, Jonathan Smith, went from Oregon State to Michigan State. The Spartans could be a landing spot, but this comes down to if FSU wants a one-year gap prospect. He still might not be the answer for the Seminoles.
Grayson McCall, QB
Transferring from: Coastal Carolina
Best fit: UCF
Why McCall fits here: Gus Malzahn has always had an offense that thrives when the quarterback is a legitimate runner and understands option principles within the spread offense. McCall can also be used as a designated runner. Although his touchdown numbers went down, he actually had his highest career completion percentage in 2023.
Kyle McCord, QB
Transferring from: Ohio State
Best fit: Nebraska
Why McCord fits here: If you watch Nebraska, the QB position lost games for the Cornhuskers last year. They need a facilitator and winner more than someone with elite physical traits. We think that McCord has good skills, including excellent accuracy and decent mobility, and Matt Rhule won’t ask him to do much outside the system. If McCord plays within the system, Nebraska could be much more competitive. He’s smart, poised and competitive. He’s a winner, and that’s something Nebraska needs as well.
Will Rogers, QB
Transferring from: Mississippi State
Best fit: Washington State
Why Rogers fits here: The talk is about Washington being the front-runner, but Rogers needs to find himself back in an Air Raid offense. He does not have the vertical arm strength of Michael Penix Jr. and did not look comfortable in a more traditional offensive style. A place like Washington
