College Football QB Newsletter - December 6, 2023
Transfer Portal, Recruiting, Depth Chart, Injury & NFL Draft News of the Day
Photo courtesy of Alabama Athletics Photography
Today’s newsletter includes a ton of transfer quarterback information with more to go. While the write ups are not completed for everybody in the portal with the volume being impossible to keep up with, the QB transfer tracker is updated with 109 FBS quarterbacks entered at this point.
That is an insane number two days into the opening of the transfer portal with 28 more to go, and don’t forget about the spring when the portal re-opens for another 15 days. It’s not crazy to think we could get to 300 players leaving or joining an FBS program at the quarterback position alone when this is all over.
Only three of those players have committed to their new school so far with the latest coming on Tuesday night when Louisville found its 2024 starting quarterback with Tyler Shough. Today’s depth chart & injury report gives a few updates on potential bowl opt outs and notes on the Midshipmen QB room heading into Saturday’s Army-Navy Game.
There’s a lot to get to, so settle in to your most comfortable chair, couch or toilet with today’s edition. Thank you for being a subscriber.
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TRANSFER PORTAL REPORT
Nebraska offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield was expected to meet with Ohio State transfer quarterback Kyle McCord (Stats) on Tuesday, according to On3’s Pete Nakos. McCord started every game for the Buckeyes this fall with one year of eligibility remaining. Earlier in the day, Satterfield met with Blake Shapen (Stats), who started multiple seasons at Baylor. On Monday, he saw former Michigan State true freshman QB Sam Leavitt (Stats), who could visit soon, according to Husker Online’s Steven Sipple. According to K-State Online’s Derek Young, Nebraska is among the teams that has met with former Kansas State QB Will Howard (Stats), along with Wisconsin, Miami and USC. The Huskers had a rotating group of quarterbacks this fall with Jeff Sims (Stats), Heinrich Haarberg (Stats) and Chubba Purdy (Stats), and they could not be much more aggressive in looking for a new quarterback in 2024.
Michigan contacted UCLA transfer quarterback Dante Moore (Stats) quickly after he entered the portal, according to On3’s Pete Nakos. Moore played in nine games as a true freshman this fall and made a few starts before Ethan Garbers (Stats) took over the starting role. Moore is a former 5-star prospect from Michigan, and whether JJ McCarthy (Stats) returns in 2024 could play a significant role in Moore’s plans for next season.
USC head coach Lincoln Riley said the Trojans will look in the transfer portal for quarterback options, though Miller Moss (Stats) will be in the mix no matter what. With Caleb Williams (Stats) opting out of the Holiday Bowl against Louisville, Moss is set to make his first career start on Dec. 27. USC has been mentioned among the favorites for Washington State transfer Cameron Ward (Stats), and Riley reportedly met with former Kansas State QB Will Howard (Stats). The Trojans are in the top two for Oklahoma transfer quarterback Dillon Gabriel (Stats), according to On3’s Pete Nakos, though Oregon is the favorite.
Oregon is expected to have Oklahoma transfer quarterback Dillon Gabriel (Stats) on campus this week, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. The Ducks are in the process of looking to replace Bo Nix (Stats), who is out of eligibility. Ty Thompson (Stats) is the next best option returning next season, but Gabriel would certainly start if the Ducks are able to add him.
Notre Dame will host Riley Leonard (Stats) on Wednesday and Thursday this week, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. The Fighting Irish have been considered the heavy favorite to land the former multi-year starter at Duke. Auburn is the top competitor to Notre Dame, according to 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong, but it feels like a commitment to the Irish could come quickly after this visit. Leonard has one more year of eligibility remaining and would step in as the starter immediately.
Florida State and Louisville emerged as the top two contenders for Oregon State transfer QB DJ Uiagalelei (Stats), according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, though Mississippi State has also shown interest. This news came before the Cardinals added a commitment from Tyler Shough (Stats), so the Seminoles could be in a good position to land their replacement for Jordan Travis (Stats). Uiagalelei started every game in his lone season with the Beavers, and he has one year of eligibility remaining.
Washington leads for former Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers (Stats), according to 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong. The Huskies already received a crystal ball pick for Rogers, who has one year of eligibility remaining after being a multi-year starter for the Bulldogs.
Kentucky received more predictions to land Georgia transfer quarterback Brock Vandagriff (Stats), who entered the portal on Monday. They came from 247Sports’ Josh Edwards and On3’s Nick Roush. Mississippi State, South Carolina, Cincinnati and UCF are among the others reaching out, according to 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong. According to the report, the former 5-star prospect said he will have a decision by this weekend or next weekend with two years of eligibility remaining. Kentucky co-backups Kaiya Sheron (Stats) and Destin Wade (Stats) announced they’ll enter the transfer portal. With Devin Leary (Stats) out of eligibility, it seems pretty clear neither QB believes they’re in line to compete for the starting spot in 2024. Also, Deuce Hogan (Stats) tweeted his intentions to enter the transfer portal on Monday but deleted it. Hogan would be the backup for the bowl game if he and Leary decide to participate.
NC State transfer quarterback MJ Morris (Stats) has been contacted by LSU, Baylor and Maryland, according to 247Sports’ Brad Crawford. Morris is coming off a strange season where he took a starting role midway through the season but shut things down after four games to use it as a redshirt year. Morris has three years of eligibility remaining, and all three of the teams mentioned will have a new starting quarterback in 2024.
Alabama quarterback Tyler Buchner (Stats) entered the transfer portal and intends to return to Notre Dame as a lacrosse player, according to Inside Lacrosse’s Terry Foy. Buchner started the 2022 season as the starter for the Irish before a season-ending injury and appeared in just two games with Alabama this fall and is the third-string QB. Jalen Milroe (Stats) and Ty Simpson (Stats) are the top two quarterbacks on the roster with multiple years of eligibility left after the 2023 season. Buchner is expected to remain with the Crimson Tide through the rest of this season.
Louisville added a commitment from Texas Tech transfer quarterback Tyler Shough (Stats), who was on campus on Monday, according to On3’s Pete Nakos. That visit came after a weekend trip to see UCF, and he was set to visit North Carolina before the Tar Heels received a commitment from Max Johnson (Stats), according to 247Sports’ Grant Hughes. Shough dealt with plenty of bad injury lucky during his time with the Red Raiders after opening his college football career at Oregon. He has one year of eligibility remaining as the replacement for Jack Plummer (Stats), who is out of eligibility.
In addition to an upcoming visit to NC State, Coastal Carolina transfer quarterback Grayson McCall (Stats) will also visit UCF this weekend. The Wolfpack have to replace their top two quarterbacks Brennan Armstrong (Stats) and MJ Morris (Stats), while John Rhys Plumlee (Stats) is out of eligibility for the Knights, so both are in need of a starter. The three-time Sun Belt Player of the Year has one year of eligibility remaining.
Vanderbilt will host Louisiana Tech transfer QB Hank Bachmeier (Stats) this week, according to On3’s Pete Nakos. Bachmeier has a ton of starting experience with the Bulldogs and Boise State over the last few years with one year of eligibility remaining. The Commodores are in the process of replacing their top three quarterbacks as they all exited for the transfer portal last week.
Utah QBs Bryson Barnes (Stats) and Mack Howard (Stats) announced they will enter the transfer portal. Barnes said he will stick with the Utes through the bowl game with two years of eligibility left at his next stop. Barnes took over as the starting quarterback this season but missed the regular season finale with an injury/illness, and there’s a very good chance he’s the guy on Dec. 23 when the Utes play Northwestern in the Las Vegas Bowl. Howard did not play a snap this fall and redshirted as a true freshman with four years of eligibility left at his next school. Cam Rising (Stats) is set to resume the QB1 role in 2024 after missing this entire season recovering from a torn ACL, MCL, MPFL and meniscus.
Colorado true freshman quarterback Kasen Weisman (Stats) announced he will enter the transfer portal after redshirting as a true freshman this fall. He was outside the top three on the depth chart with four years of eligibility remaining at his next stop. Head coach Deion Sanders said the Buffaloes are in the market for multiple veteran quarterbacks this offseason to be the backup for Shedeur Sanders (Stats) in 2024, according to USA Today’s Brent Schrotenboer. True freshman Ryan Staub (Stats) was the backup this fall. Deion Sanders reiterated Shedeur will return next season, and he’s on pace to heal his fractured back in time for spring practice.
Boise State quarterback Taylen Green (Stats) announced he will enter the transfer portal but is open to returning to the Broncos in 2024. Green lost his starting role to Maddux Madsen (Stats) late in the season but in that game, Madsen suffered an injury that put an end to his season. Assuming Green does not play in the LA Bowl on Dec. 16, it will be up to either true freshman CJ Tiller (Stats) or Colt Fulton (Stats) against UCLA. Green has two years of eligibility remaining, and Madsen is the top candidate on the roster to start next season.
Ohio quarterback Kurtis Rourke (Stats) announced he will enter the transfer portal but leave the door open to the enter the 2024 NFL Draft. He was a four-year starter with the Bobcats and revealed a Wake Forest offer shortly after he entered the portal, followed by a BYU offer. Rourke has one year of eligibility remaining, and Parker Navarro (Stats) will likely start the Myrtle Beach Bowl against Georgia Southern on Dec. 16.
Eastern Michigan starting quarterback Austin Smith (Stats) announced he’ll enter the transfer portal. He started every game for the Eagles this fall with two years of eligibility left at his next stop. Ike Udengwu III (Stats) will likely start the 68 Ventures Bowl against South Alabama on Dec. 23, though he has been listed as a co-backup with Cam’Ron McCoy (Stats) on the depth chart all season.
Miami (OH) starting quarterback Brett Gabbert (Stats) will return next season, the team announced. Gabbert is a five-year starter for the RedHawks but had his last two seasons cut short with injuries including leaving the game on Oct. 21 with his leg in an air cast, and that required surgery. Aveon Smith (Stats) took over and helped Miami win the MAC but announced he’ll enter the transfer portal with two years of eligibility left. Henry Hesson (Stats) is next on the depth chart heading into the Cure Bowl against Appalachian State on Dec. 16.
Central Michigan transfer quarterback Jase Bauer (Stats) heard from Washington State, Baylor, North Texas, Northern Illinois, Sam Houston State, Northern Iowa and Southern Illinois hours after officially entering the portal, according to 247Sports’ Allen Trieu. Bauer took over as the starter for the Chippewas this season with two years of eligibility remaining.
North Texas starting quarterback Chandler Rogers (Stats) announced he will enter the transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining. He spent one season with the Mean Green after being a multi-year starter at Louisiana-Monroe. With Stone Earle (Stats) also in the portal, JD Head (Stats) and Dylan Gebbia (Stats) are the only two quarterbacks returning in 2024, so North Texas has some work to do on this QB room.
VISITS
CLMB - Cole Freeman (Stats) | Tweet
SHU - Cole Freeman (Stats) | Tweet
OFFERS
BYU - Kurtis Rourke (Stats) | Tweet
VAN - Cole Snyder (Stats) | Tweet
WAKE - Kurtis Rourke (Stats) | Tweet
DEPTH CHART & INJURY REPORT
Navy quarterbacks Xavier Arline (Stats), Braxton Woodson (Stats) and Tai Lavatai (Stats) are listed as co-starters on the depth chart for Saturday’s game against Army. Lavatai missed the last four games with a calf issue with Arline taking over, though he suffered an ankle injury in the regular season finale on Nov. 25, and Woodson finished the game. Head coach Brian Newberry said he thinks Arline will start. Blake Horvath (Stats) missed the last six matchups with a thumb injury and is not listed on the depth chart, meaning he’s likely out again.
LSU head coach Brian Kelly said starting quarterback Jayden Daniels (Stats) has not decided whether he will play in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Wisconsin on New Year’s Day. The favorite for Saturday’s Heisman Trophy Ceremony is out of eligibility after this season, and Garrett Nussmeier (Stats) would be next in line to start in the bowl game to close out the year.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning (Stats) is expected to remain with the Longhorns next season, according to 247Sports’ Chris Hummer. Plenty have reports have said Quinn Ewers (Stats) is likely to return as well, but he has not revealed a decision publicly. It will be interesting to see what Maalik Murphy (Stats) will do after operating as the backup this season.
RECRUITING REPORT
VISITS
ARK - Quentin Murphy | Tweet
BYU - Noah Lugo | Tweet
FIU - Clayton Dees | Tweet
PUR - Marcos Davila | Tweet
TXST - Brad Jackson | Tweet
OFFERS
SYR - Whit Muschamp | Tweet
UTEP - Gael Ochoa | Tweet
UTSA - Michael Tollefson | Tweet
NFL DRAFT REPORT
There is growing optimism that Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (Stats) returns to the team in 2024, according to 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz. This is certainly not a surprise considering Brock Vandagriff (Stats) is in the transfer portal, and he probably wouldn’t be doing that if he thought he had a shot at being the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback. Beck has two years of eligibility remaining and increased his NFL Draft stock significantly this fall.
Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders (Stats) is expected to return to college next season based on what NFL scouts and head coach Deion Sanders has said, according to ESPN’s Matt Miller. This news has been the same for a while, but Shedeur has yet to announce his 2024 plans with one season of eligibility left.
UPCOMING KEY DATES
A look at what’s ahead over the next 30 days.
Dec. 9 - Army-Navy Game
Dec. 9 - Heisman Trophy Ceremony
Dec. 16 - Bowl season starts
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
Jan. 1 - Bowl season ends
Jan. 1 - College Football Playoff semifinals
Jan. 2 - Transfer portal window closes
Jan. 6 - All-American Bowl
Tomorrow’s newsletter will put another dent in the transfer portal write ups I need to finish with a few more entrants. Things move quickly this time of year, so I would expect a few transfer commitments to react to as the busy season continues. Adjust your lives accordingly.