College Football QB Newsletter - December 20, 2023
CFB Quarterback Depth Chart, Injury, Transfer Portal & Recruiting News of the Day
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Welcome to National Signing Day to those who observe. Buckle up.
RECRUITING REPORT
2024 5-star QB DJ Lagway (TX) is still expected to sign with Florida after being committed to the Gators for more than a year, but USC has become more aggressive in looking for a last-minute flip, according to 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong. Lagway is coming off one final trip to see the Gators, though Texas A&M, Houston and Clemson continue to be going after him with the Aggies being the most aggressive, according to Swamp247’s Graham Hall. The Trojans are without a quarterback in the class as they look to get younger at the position following the departure of former 5-star Malachi Nelson (Stats) to the transfer portal.
Nebraska completed the flip of 2024 5-star QB Dylan Raiola (GA), who had been committed to Georgia for seven months. The Cornhuskers are expected to hold on to in-state 3-star quarterback Daniel Kaelin in the class, while the Bulldogs still have commitments from 2024 4-star Ryan Puglisi (CT) and 3-star, in-state walk-on Colter Ginn.
Former Michigan State 2024 3-star QB commit Henry Hasselbeck (MA) is coming off a visit to Boston College and plans to make a decision for the Early Signing Period, according to 247Sports’ Brian Dohn. Hasselbeck is still considering the Spartans, along with the Eagles and UCLA, and the Bruins continue added predictions from 247Sports and On3 to land him after a recent visit. The Eagles also landed a commitment from 2024 3-star quarterback Johnathan Montague Jr. (NC), who announced the news on Twitter. Boston College was his first Power 5 offer in October.
Photo courtesy of UtahUtes.com
Indiana added its second quarterback to its 2024 recruiting class when in-state 4-star Tyler Cherry announced his commitment on Tuesday night. After recent visits, he had been down to the Hoosiers and Michigan State. Cherry recently decommitted from Duke after the Blue Devils’ coaching change and will join 3-star QB Alberto Mendoza (FL) in this class.
Michigan State added a commitment from 2024 3-star QB Alessio Milivojevic (IL), who decommitted from Ball State the day before. He was in East Lansing over the weekend as the Spartans locked down a quarterback in this class.
Oregon State picked up a commitment from in-state 2024 3-star QB Kallen Gutridge. He is coming off a weekend visit where he picked up an offer from the Beavers, which have their first quarterback in the class.
Iowa State received a crystal ball prediction to add in-state 2025 3-star QB Alex Manske from 247Sports’ Sean Bock. Manske picked up an offer from the Cyclones in September and has been on campus multiple times. Iowa State has 3-star quarterback Connor Moberly (IA) committed to the 2024 class.
2024 3-star QB Jim Ogle (AL) flipped from Troy to Louisiana-Monroe the night before the Early Signing Period. Ogle had been committed to the Trojans since April, though that was with the previous coaching staff. Troy still has 2024 3-star Caleb McCreary (AL) committed.
UTEP added in-state, 3-star QB Shay Smith to its 2024 recruiting class coming off his visit over the weekend, according to his Twitter post. The Miners had a commitment from 2024 3-star Gael Ochoa (TX), though he decommitted at after the coaching change. He since announced a commitment to UNLV, which added its first quarterback to the class.
Western Michigan added a commitment from 2024 QB JD Davis (GA), who announced the news on Twitter. He is the Broncos’ second quarterback addition to the class, joining 3-star quarterback Mason Reynolds (IN), who has been committed since May.
2024 3-star QB Neko Fann (GA) is no longer committed to Middle Tennessee and announced his commitment to Mercer. He had committed to the Blue Raiders' previous coaching staff last month, and the Blue Raiders are without a 2024 quarterback in the class.
VISITS
ILL - Carson Boyd | Tweet
NIU - Ethan Plumb | Tweet
OFFERS
DUKE - Keelon Russell (SMU) | Tweet
LOU - Luke Carney | Tweet
TAMU - Alex Manske | Tweet
UNLV - Jackson Stevens | Tweet
WYO - Deyon Batiste | Tweet
CLMB - Caleb Sanchez | Tweet
LHU - Micah Balzarini | Tweet
RPI - Micah Balzarini | Tweet
TRANSFER PORTAL REPORT
Oregon added its second significant transfer quarterback in this cycle with former UCLA QB Dante Moore (Stats), according to On3’s Hayes Fawcett. He will join a Ducks quarterback room that already landed former Oklahoma QB Dillon Gabriel (Stats). Gabriel is likely still the favorite to start in his final year of eligibility, while Moore has three years remaining with an option to redshirt. It will be interesting to track what this means for Austin Novosad (Stats), who redshirted as a true freshman in 2023.
USC transfer quarterback Malachi Nelson’s (Stats) camp had conversations with Tulane, TCU, South Carolina, Houston and Cal, according to On3’s Pete Nakos. The former 5-star prospect entered the transfer portal this week after redshirting as a true freshman in 2023 and was outside the two-deep on the depth chart behind Caleb Williams (Stats) and Miller Moss (Stats).
With former Arkansas QB KJ Jefferson (Stats) officially in the transfer portal, Miami, UCF and TCU are teams to watch, according to On3’s Pete Nakos. The Hurricanes have been very active in looking for the top quarterbacks on the transfer market, while the Knights look to replace John Rhys Plumlee (Stats). Josh Hoover (Stats) is the favorite to start for the Horned Frogs with Chandler Morris (Stats) entering the transfer portal. South Carolina had been brought up as a possibility before he even entered the portal, but the Gamecocks will not be in the mix, according to 247Sports’ Brad Crawford. Jefferson has a ton of starting experience with one year of eligibility remaining.
Ohio State transfer quarterback Kyle McCord (Stats) announced his commitment to Syracuse coming off a weekend visit. McCord won the Buckeyes’ QB1 job during fall camp and started every game this fall with one college football season remaining. Orange starter Garrett Shrader (Stats) is out of eligibility and will miss Thursday’s Boca Raton Bowl vs. USF after undergoing shoulder surgery, the team announced. Shrader and backup Carlos Del Rio-Wilson (Stats) are not listed on the depth chart with Braden Davis (Stats) listed as the starter. Tight end Dan Villari has taken plenty of snaps at quarterback over the last few weeks as the Syracuse deal with injuries in the QB room.
LSU added a commitment from former Vanderbilt quarterback AJ Swann (Stats), according to On3’s Hayes Fawcett. This was a two-team battle with the Tigers and South Carolina, and LSU won this one. Swann started games in both of his two seasons with the Commodores but battled through injuries in 2023. He has two years of eligibility remaining with a redshirt available if needed. With Jayden Daniels (Stats) out of eligibility, Garrett Nussmeier (Stats) has competition to be the starter in 2024.
Former Utah QB Nate Johnson (Stats) announced his commitment to Vanderbilt with three years of eligibility remaining. He started a few games for the Utes this fall and had a regular role as a rushing threat. The Commodores’ top three QBs from 2023 entered the transfer portal, and the former 4-star prospect should have the inside track at the starting role. Drew Dickey (Stats) and Brennan Storer (Stats) are his two biggest challengers.
Baylor received a commitment from former Toledo quarterback Dequan Finn (Stats) for his final year of eligibility. He was a three-year starter with the Rockets and will be the replacement for Blake Shapen (Stats), who transferred to Mississippi State. Sawyer Robertson (Stats) will likely return as the backup option ahead of RJ Martinez (Stats) again in 2024.
TCU quarterback Chandler Morris (Stats) entered the transfer portal, according to On3’s Pete Nakos, for his final two years of eligibility. He opened the 2023 season as the Horned Frogs’ starting QB before suffering a knee injury, which led to Josh Hoover (Stats) taking over the starting role. Hoover will start in 2024 unless TCU gets more aggressive in the transfer quarterback market.
Colorado added its second transfer quarterback over the last few days with former Vanderbilt QB Walter Taylor (Stats), according to On3’s Hayes Fawcett. Head coach Deion Sanders said the Buffaloes would be in the market for multiple veteran quarterbacks to back up Shedeur Sanders (Stats) in 2024 with Taylor joining Kentucky transfer Destin Wade (Stats). Taylor appeared in five games with the Commodores this fall with three years of eligibility remaining.
Minnesota made its second quarterback addition from the transfer portal with former Fresno State QB Logan Fife (Stats), announced his commitment with two years of eligibility remaining. New Hampshire transfer quarterback Max Brosmer is the favorite to start, but Fife should settle in to the backup role with a chance at the starting job in 2025. Fife has been a backup with the Bulldogs.
Georgia Tech QB Zach Gibson (Stats) announced he will enter the transfer portal for his final year of eligibility. Gibson started plenty of games in his college football career with 23 games played over the last five years. He did not appear in a game in 2023 as the third-string option with Haynes King (Stats) and Zach Pyron (Stats) set to return in 2024.
Tulsa QB Braylon Braxton (Stats) entered the transfer portal with two years of eligibility remaining. entered portal. The former 4-star prospect appeared in 19 games over the last three years and quickly announced offers from North Texas, Marshall and UTSA. Cardell Williams (Stats) is likely the favorite to start for the Golden Hurricane in 2024, though true freshman Kirk Francis (Stats) took over late in the 2023 season in a QB room that dealt with plenty of injuries.
Ball State added a commitment from Marshall transfer QB Chase Harrison (Stats), according to his Twitter account. He was not in the mix for playing time with the Thundering Herd and appeared in one game over two seasons. Harrison will join a quarterback room with Kiael Kelly (Stats) and Kadin Semonza (Stats) set to return with multiple years of eligibility remaining.
Idaho transfer QB Gevani McCoy visited Oregon State and received an offer, according to 247Sports’ Clint Brewster. The Beavers need to rebuild their quarterback room after losing DJ Uiagalelei (Stats) and Aidan Chiles (Stats), though Ben Gulbranson (Stats) has years of eligibility remaining with starting experience. McCoy was a two-year starter with the Vandals with two years of eligibility remaining with several FBS programs interested.
UTEP added a commitment from Austin Peay transfer QB Skyler Locklear, who has three years of eligibility remaining. Locklear appeared in two games in each of the last two seasons with the Governors. The Miners will look to replace starter Gavin Hardison (Stats) with Cade McConnell (Stats) and Jake McNamara (Stats) as the top two returning options. It’ll be interesting to see if Locklear can challenge for the two-deep on the depth chart.
North Texas QB Stone Earle (Stats) withdrew from the transfer portal, according to the Denton Record-Chronicle’s Brett Vito. Earlier this month, Earle announced he would return to Abilene Christian where he started his college football career but changed plans once Mean Green starter Chandler Rogers (Stats) entered the transfer portal. Earle opened the 2023 season as North Texas’ starter and is now the favorite to reclaim that role in 2024.
New Mexico State quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (Stats) entered the transfer portal, according to Rivals. He appeared in one game as a true freshman in 2023 when he took over for an injured Diego Pavia (Stats) in the conference title game. The former 3-star prospect has four years of eligibility remaining. Pavia still has one year of eligibility remaining, and Eli Stowers (Stats) was listed as the backup QB with a significant role in the offense as a pass catcher.
Furman transfer QB Tyler Huff heard from Virginia, Northwestern, SMU, Coastal Carolina, Florida Atlantic, UTEP, North Texas, Louisiana Tech, Georgia State, Charlotte, Middle Tennessee, Temple and Buffalo, according to The Portal Report. Huff has one year of eligibility remaining as a two-year starter with the Paladins.
Memphis transfer QB Tevin Carter (Stats) committed to Tennessee State with three years of eligibility remaining.
UMass transfer QB Carlos Davis (Stats) announced his commitment to Towson for his final year of eligibility. Former Minutemen quarterback Brady Olson (Stats) also left for Central Connecticut State with two years remaining.
South Alabama transfer QB Trip Maxwell (Stats) committed to Holmes Community College after redshirting as a true freshman in 2023.
Houston QB Jett Huff (Stats) announced his commitment to D2 Central Oklahoma with three years of eligibility remaining.
VISITS
ELON - Gunnar Gundy (OKST - Stats) | Tweet
OFFERS
MRSH - Braylon Braxton (TLSA - Stats) | Tweet
UNT - Braylon Braxton (TLSA - Stats) | Tweet
UTSA - Braylon Braxton (TLSA - Stats) | Tweet
ELON - Gunnar Gundy (OKST - Stats) | Tweet
MOST - Kasen Weisman (COLO - Stats) | Tweet
SUU - Dylan Laible (MIZZ - Stats) | Tweet
DEPTH CHART & INJURY REPORT
Georgia QB Carson Beck (Stats) confirmed he will play in the Orange Bowl against Florida State on Dec. 30, and the team announced he’ll be back in 2024 with two years of eligibility remaining following the bowl game. Beck will finish up his first year as the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback and if all goes well, he will play one more season before entering the NFL Draft.
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (Stats) announced he will not play in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Wisconsin on New Year’s Day to prepare for the NFL Draft. This was his final year of eligibility and certainly helped his draft stock with his Heisman Trophy-winning season. Garrett Nussmeier (Stats) will start and is the most likely option to take over as the starter in 2024.
Maryland QB Taulia Tagovailoa (Stats) opted out of the Music City Bowl vs. Auburn on Dec. 30 to prepare for the NFL Draft, according to head coach Mike Locksley. He added Billy Edwards Jr. (Stats) and Cameron Edge (Stats) will play in the bowl game, and both have multiple years of eligibility remaining after 2023. The Terps added MJ Morris (Stats) this offseason and is the heavy favorite to start next season.
USC head coach Lincoln Riley said Jake Jensen (Stats) will be the backup quarterback to Miller Moss (Stats) in the Holiday Bowl vs. Louisville on Dec. 27. Caleb Williams (Stats) opted out of the bowl game, and Malachi Nelson (Stats) is in the transfer portal. The Trojans are likely to add Kansas State transfer Will Howard (Stats) for his final year of eligibility after adding more 247Sports crystal ball picks to land at USC.
Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt (Stats) will not play in the Military Bowl against Virginia Tech on Dec. 27 to prepare for the Senior Bowl, according to FOX 8’s Garland Gillen. Kai Horton (Stats) and Justin Ibieta (Stats) are the top quarterback options for the Green Wave, according to the report. Horton was the backup all season and reportedly entered the transfer portal, but he appears to be staying at least through the bowl game. With Pratt off to the NFL, Horton would be the favorite to start in 2024 with multiple years of eligibility remaining if he sticks around.
Florida State QB Tate Rodemaker (Stats) participated in Tuesday’s practice after missing the regular season finale with a head injury, according to NoleGameday’s Dustin Lewis. Rodemaker should be ready to start the Orange Bowl vs. Georgia on Dec. 30 with true freshman Brock Glenn (Stats) reverting to his backup role. With Jordan Travis (Stats) injured and out of eligibility after this season, the Seminoles have been going after Cameron Ward (Stats) and DJ Uiagalelei (Stats) hard in the transfer portal.
Ole Miss backup QB Spencer Sanders (Stats) was deemed academically ineligible to play in the Peach Bowl vs. Penn State, according to Rebel Yell Hotline. Sanders transferred to the Rebels after being a four-year starter at Oklahoma State but lost the QB competition to Jaxson Dart (Stats) and is out of eligibility after this season. Dart has yet to announce his 2024 plans but appears likely to be returning to Ole Miss.
Washington backup QB Dylan Morris (Stats) will stay with the team through the Huskies’ College Football Playoff run despite entering the transfer portal. Morris has not played since Week 4 and will only have a role in the Sugar Bowl vs. Texas if Michael Penix Jr. (Stats) goes down with an injury.
Utah State QB Levi Williams (Stats) is listed as the starter for Saturday’s Famous Idaho Potato Bowl vs. Georgia State before he foregoes his final college football season for Navy SEAL training. Cooper Legas (Stats) missed the regular season finale with a shoulder injury and is not listed on the depth chart. McCae Hillstead (Stats) made plenty of starts this season and has been dealing with an ankle injury, though he appears to be available as the backup. Hillstead and Legas are the top contenders to start in 2024.
James Madison QB Jordan McCloud (Stats) will start Saturday’s Armed Forces Bowl vs. Air Force despite being in the transfer portal, according to Richmond Times-Dispatch’s Mike Barber. McCloud took over as the starter very early in the 2023 season and will be the guy this weekend before moving on for his final year of eligibility. The Dukes added Wake Forest transfer Mitch Griffis (Stats) looking ahead to 2024 with Billy Atkins (Stats) and Alonza Barnett III (Stats) also in the mix.
Duke true freshman QB Grayson Loftis (Stats) is listed as the starting quarterback for Saturday’s Birmingham Bowl vs. Troy. Loftis started the final four games of the regular season with Riley Leonard (Stats) out with an injury, and Henry Belin IV (Stats) has not played in the last five games as he works his way back from an upper body injury. This is the first time Loftis has been listed as QB1 on the depth chart this season. Loftis and Belin have three years of eligibility remaining following the bowl game with Riley of to Notre Dame.
Eastern Michigan QBs Ike Udengwu III (Stats) and Cam’Ron McCoy (Stats) are listed as co-starters for Saturday’s 68 Ventures Bowl vs. South Alabama. Udengwu appeared in three games this fall with McCoy getting in for just three snaps. Austin Smith (Stats) was the starter all season but is in the transfer portal. Udengwu and McCoy have eligibility remaining following the bowl game, and the Eagles added Minnesota transfer Drew Viotto (Stats), who could be in the mix in 2024.
Western Kentucky QB Caden Veltkamp (Stats) took over for Turner Helton (Stats) in Monday’s 38-35 overtime win over Old Dominion in the Famous Toastery Bowl on Monday with Austin Reed (Stats) opting out to prepare for the NFL Draft. Veltkamp has been in the transfer portal and said he’s not sure of his future as the Hilltoppers previously offered him to return in 2024 as a tight end. Western Kentucky has been somewhat active in the QB transfer market.
UPCOMING KEY DATES
A look at what’s ahead over the next week
Dec. 20 - 2024 recruiting early signing period starts
Dec. 20 - 2024 Juco midyear transfer signing period starts
Dec. 22 - 2024 recruiting early signing period ends
Tomorrow’s College Football QB Newsletter will be available to paying subscribers, reacting to whatever craziness comes out of the first day of the Early Signing Period with plenty of transfer portal news I’m sure. Adjust your lives accordingly.
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