By Jyesha Nance
Let’s take an inside look at the transfer portal, but more specifically the number of quarterbacks that have entered. Of course, every season, many athletes are looking to transfer but this season there has been an alarming number of quarterbacks that have entered. Since November 24th there have been about 39 players entering the portal; out of those 38, 24 are quarterbacks. While at their university, some of them held starting quarterback positions and even led their teams to victory. Quarterbacks such as Will Rogers (Mississippi State) started for the Bulldogs since the middle of the 2020 season, Blake Shapen (Baylor) led Baylor to win the Big 12 title game in 2021, Tyler Van Dyke (Miami) was this season’s starter for the Hurricanes, and Will Howard (Kansas State) also led the Cougars to a Big 12 championship in 2022.
So, if some of these quarterbacks were top dogs at their university. What motivated them to enter the portal? Could it be NIL money, lack of player-coach relationships, possible replacement by incoming recruits, or better opportunities? Whatever the reason may be, QBs do not want to sit and wait anymore. They’re leaving to play or be paid better. Some are looking to improve their chances of winning as well. Other non-QB recruits are being pushed to the portal with no choice. A lot has changed in recent years when it comes to the transfer portal. It has become useful to not only players but universities that are looking to rebuild their programs. Granted, the transfer portal can go one or two ways. There is an upside to the portal in that players can go to another university and stand out, however, there is a downside in that they may not be guaranteed a starting spot or may not be selected by their desired school.
Using the transfer portal is not a bad thing it has worked out in some quarterback’s favor in previous years. Jayden Daniels transferred from Arizona State to LSU and is now a Heisman finalist, Bo Nix transferred from Auburn to Oregon and is a Heisman finalist, and Michael Penix Jr transferred from Indiana to Washington and is now a Heisman finalist and has led Washington to its second college football playoff appearance in program history. It is becoming apparent that players are looking at the success of those who have transferred and wishing to emulate it. The transfer portal can ultimately be beneficial for everyone involved, but it should be used with caution. College athletics may look very different in the future if the portal continues to take over at its current pace.