By Manny Navarro, Antonio Morales and Sam Khan Jr.
The transfer portal has joined traditional high school recruiting as a resource for finding elite quarterbacks in college football.
Want proof? The top five players in pass efficiency rating in the 2024 season — Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke, Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart, Ohio State’s Will Howard, Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders — arrived via the portal. Of the 12 teams to make the Playoff, half are quarterbacked by transfers.
Which transfer quarterbacks could make an impact next year? We’re ranking the best QBs to enter the portal during the December 2024 window and monitoring where they could be headed, with Georgia’s Carson Beck now topping the list after the Jan. 9 news that he plans to enter.
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Beck declared for the NFL Draft on Dec. 28 despite having season-ending right elbow surgery five days earlier. Is Beck’s entry into the portal simply a matter of keeping all options open or is there a real chance he returns to college football in 2025?
If he does, it suggests his injury and rehabilitation timeline significantly impacted his draft outlook. But his 2024 performance before the injury also factors in. One NFL scout in November said Beck’s “lack of mobility and lack of poise” caused him to fall down that team’s draft board.
Still, if he transfers and teams are confident in their medical evaluation and rehab plan, the market for him could be historic. He’ll be the most accomplished quarterback in the portal, going 24-3 as Georgia’s starter and throwing for 7,426 yards, 52 touchdowns and 18 interceptions in the past two seasons.
A team believing it’s just a quarterback away from reaching its potential could bet on Beck to be the missing piece. If Darian Mensah received $4 million a year, as CBS Sports reported, it’s logical to think Beck’s market would surpass that. The deadline for Beck (or any other player) to opt out of the NFL Draft is Feb. 7.
Beck declared for the NFL Draft on Dec. 28 despite having season-ending right elbow surgery five days earlier. Is Beck’s entry into the portal simply a matter of keeping all options open or is there a real chance he returns to college football in 2025?
If he does, it suggests his injury and rehabilitation timeline significantly impacted his draft outlook. But his 2024 performance before the injury also factors in. One NFL scout in November said Beck’s “lack of mobility and lack of poise” caused him to fall down that team’s draft board.
Still, if he transfers and teams are confident in their medical evaluation and rehab plan, the market for him could be historic. He’ll be the most accomplished quarterback in the portal, going 24-3 as Georgia’s starter and throwing for 7,426 yards, 52 touchdowns and 18 interceptions in the past two seasons.
A team believing it’s just a quarterback away from reaching its potential could bet on Beck to be the missing piece. If Darian Mensah received $4 million a year, as CBS Sports reported, it’s logical to think Beck’s market would surpass that. The deadline for Beck (or any other player) to opt out of the NFL Draft is Feb. 7.
Recruiting rank
4-star (No. 254)
QB
In portal
Georgia Bulldogs
The 6-foot-1, 219-pound redshirt sophomore from Little Elm, Texas, started 12 games for the Cougars this season and is now on his way to reuniting with Ben Arbuckle, his offensive coordinator at Washington State who was recently hired to the same position at Oklahoma. Mateer has completed 64.6 percent of his 347 pass attempts for 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He’s also run for 826 yards and 15 touchdowns and ranks fifth nationally with 330.4 total yards per game.
The 6-foot-1, 219-pound redshirt sophomore from Little Elm, Texas, started 12 games for the Cougars this season and is now on his way to reuniting with Ben Arbuckle, his offensive coordinator at Washington State who was recently hired to the same position at Oklahoma. Mateer has completed 64.6 percent of his 347 pass attempts for 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He’s also run for 826 yards and 15 touchdowns and ranks fifth nationally with 330.4 total yards per game.
Recruiting rank
3-star (No. 1,776)
QB
Committed
Washington State Cougars
Oklahoma Sooners
The California native ranked sixth nationally in passing efficiency as a redshirt freshman, completing 65.9 percent of his 287 pass attempts for 2,723 yards, 22 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also showed some elusiveness late in the year, rushing for 57 yards and a touchdown in a win over Navy and 41 yards in the AAC Championship Game loss to Army. “He’s a future NFL quarterback,” an SEC scouting director said.
The California native ranked sixth nationally in passing efficiency as a redshirt freshman, completing 65.9 percent of his 287 pass attempts for 2,723 yards, 22 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also showed some elusiveness late in the year, rushing for 57 yards and a touchdown in a win over Navy and 41 yards in the AAC Championship Game loss to Army. “He’s a future NFL quarterback,” an SEC scouting director said.
Recruiting rank
2-star (No. 2,289)
QB
Committed
Tulane Green Wave
Duke Blue Devils
When he replaced Dillon Gabriel as the starter, Arnold was expected to become a star, but offensive line and receiving corps problems severely limited Oklahoma’s offense, and he was briefly benched in favor of true freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. Arnold entered the portal in the wake of the Sooners’ hiring Ben Arbuckle away from Washington State as the new offensive coordinator. His 2024 numbers (1,421 yards passing, 12 TDs, three INTs, 444 yards rushing, three TDs in 10 games) are less a reflection of his talent and ability and more a result of the circumstances.
At Auburn, he’ll try to unlock his potential under Hugh Freeze while the Tigers develop four-star Class of 2025 recruit Deuce Knight. Said one Power 4 personnel director after Arnold entered the portal: “He’s gonna be a stud wherever he goes next.”
When he replaced Dillon Gabriel as the starter, Arnold was expected to become a star, but offensive line and receiving corps problems severely limited Oklahoma’s offense, and he was briefly benched in favor of true freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. Arnold entered the portal in the wake of the Sooners’ hiring Ben Arbuckle away from Washington State as the new offensive coordinator. His 2024 numbers (1,421 yards passing, 12 TDs, three INTs, 444 yards rushing, three TDs in 10 games) are less a reflection of his talent and ability and more a result of the circumstances.
At Auburn, he’ll try to unlock his potential under Hugh Freeze while the Tigers develop four-star Class of 2025 recruit Deuce Knight. Said one Power 4 personnel director after Arnold entered the portal: “He’s gonna be a stud wherever he goes next.”
Recruiting rank
5-star (No. 8)
QB
Committed
Oklahoma Sooners
Auburn Tigers
The Miami native went 6-5 as Cal’s starter this season and ranked 34th nationally in passing efficiency. He completed 68.7 percent of his 386 pass attempts for 3,004 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions and ran for 105 yards and two touchdowns. He’s made 19 starts over two seasons and was committed to Yale before Cal extended a late offer. His younger brother, Alberto, is a freshman backup quarterback at Indiana. Georgia and Missouri were involved, but Mendoza opted to join his brother in Bloomington.
The Miami native went 6-5 as Cal’s starter this season and ranked 34th nationally in passing efficiency. He completed 68.7 percent of his 386 pass attempts for 3,004 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions and ran for 105 yards and two touchdowns. He’s made 19 starts over two seasons and was committed to Yale before Cal extended a late offer. His younger brother, Alberto, is a freshman backup quarterback at Indiana. Georgia and Missouri were involved, but Mendoza opted to join his brother in Bloomington.
Recruiting rank
2-star (No. 2,149)
QB
Committed
California Golden Bears
Indiana Hoosiers
The former Texas backup thrived in his first season in Durham. He led Duke to a 9-3 season and finished seventh in the ACC with 2,933 passing yards while completing 60.3 percent of his 421 attempts for 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The California native is 11-3 as a starter, including a 2-0 mark at Texas in 2023 when Quinn Ewers missed time with an injury.
The former Texas backup thrived in his first season in Durham. He led Duke to a 9-3 season and finished seventh in the ACC with 2,933 passing yards while completing 60.3 percent of his 421 attempts for 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The California native is 11-3 as a starter, including a 2-0 mark at Texas in 2023 when Quinn Ewers missed time with an injury.
Recruiting rank
4-star (No. 179)
QB
Committed
Duke Blue Devils
Oregon State Beavers
Salter, who signed with Tennessee out of high school, almost transferred last year but opted to stay at Liberty. He’s the most productive passer in the portal, with 5,889 yards passing, 56 touchdowns and 17 interceptions in four seasons. He’s rushed for 2,006 yards and 21 touchdowns as well. One potential red flag: His numbers dropped across the board from 2023 to 2024 — most notably completion percentage (61 to 56.3), yards per attempt (9.9 to 7.2) and rushing yardage (1,089 to 579). Even with the regression, Salter was in high demand. Colorado signed Julian Lewis, a top-50 national prospect, as part of its 2025 recruiting class, but he probably needs a year before he’s ready to play. Salter can step right in and take over the Buffs offense next season.
Salter, who signed with Tennessee out of high school, almost transferred last year but opted to stay at Liberty. He’s the most productive passer in the portal, with 5,889 yards passing, 56 touchdowns and 17 interceptions in four seasons. He’s rushed for 2,006 yards and 21 touchdowns as well. One potential red flag: His numbers dropped across the board from 2023 to 2024 — most notably completion percentage (61 to 56.3), yards per attempt (9.9 to 7.2) and rushing yardage (1,089 to 579). Even with the regression, Salter was in high demand. Colorado signed Julian Lewis, a top-50 national prospect, as part of its 2025 recruiting class, but he probably needs a year before he’s ready to play. Salter can step right in and take over the Buffs offense next season.
Recruiting rank
4-star (No. 143)
QB
Committed
Liberty Flames
Colorado Buffaloes
The talented sophomore started all 12 games in 2024 for the 5-7 Lobos and was a dangerous dual-threat. He ran for 19 touchdowns and 1,166 yards — third-most among all FBS quarterbacks. He also completed 57.9 percent of his 390 pass attempts for 2,768 yards, 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. With Bronco Mendenhall off to Utah State, Dampier is following former Lobos offensive coordinator Jason Beck to Salt Lake City.
The talented sophomore started all 12 games in 2024 for the 5-7 Lobos and was a dangerous dual-threat. He ran for 19 touchdowns and 1,166 yards — third-most among all FBS quarterbacks. He also completed 57.9 percent of his 390 pass attempts for 2,768 yards, 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. With Bronco Mendenhall off to Utah State, Dampier is following former Lobos offensive coordinator Jason Beck to Salt Lake City.
Recruiting rank
3-star (No. 1,693)
QB
Committed
New Mexico Lobos
Utah Utes
When Weigman arrived at Texas A&M, the assumption was he’d be the Aggies quarterback of the future. He was thrust into the starting lineup as a true freshman but it wasn’t a healthy offensive situation at that point of Jimbo Fisher’s tenure. He entered 2023 as the full-time starter and displayed some promise (979 yards, eight touchdowns, two interceptions) against relatively weak competition before an injury limited his season to just four games. Fisher was fired and replaced by Mike Elko, who hired Collin Klein as his offensive coordinator.
Weigman didn’t seem like a fit in the new system and struggled on the field (819 yards, three touchdowns, five interceptions) and with injuries. At Houston, he’ll team up with new Cougars offensive coordinator Slade Nagle, who worked with coach Willie Fritz at Tulane.
When Weigman arrived at Texas A&M, the assumption was he’d be the Aggies quarterback of the future. He was thrust into the starting lineup as a true freshman but it wasn’t a healthy offensive situation at that point of Jimbo Fisher’s tenure. He entered 2023 as the full-time starter and displayed some promise (979 yards, eight touchdowns, two interceptions) against relatively weak competition before an injury limited his season to just four games. Fisher was fired and replaced by Mike Elko, who hired Collin Klein as his offensive coordinator.
Weigman didn’t seem like a fit in the new system and struggled on the field (819 yards, three touchdowns, five interceptions) and with injuries. At Houston, he’ll team up with new Cougars offensive coordinator Slade Nagle, who worked with coach Willie Fritz at Tulane.
Recruiting rank
5-star (No. 22)
QB
Committed
Texas A&M Aggies
Houston Cougars
Moss was perfectly fine as USC’s starter in 2024; he just wasn’t the Superman that most Lincoln Riley quarterbacks turn out to be. He’ll be good for a program that doesn’t ask the quarterback to carry the load quite as much. Moss doesn’t have the strongest arm and is not super mobile, but he can keep an offense on schedule. He isn’t reckless with the ball but did commit some crucial turnovers during untimely moments in several of USC’s losses, which led to his benching late in the season.
Moss will be solid in the right situation, though, and will be an interesting match for Louisville coach Jeff Brohm. In his first start at USC, he threw six touchdown passes in a 42-28 Holiday Bowl win over Louisville last year.
Moss was perfectly fine as USC’s starter in 2024; he just wasn’t the Superman that most Lincoln Riley quarterbacks turn out to be. He’ll be good for a program that doesn’t ask the quarterback to carry the load quite as much. Moss doesn’t have the strongest arm and is not super mobile, but he can keep an offense on schedule. He isn’t reckless with the ball but did commit some crucial turnovers during untimely moments in several of USC’s losses, which led to his benching late in the season.
Moss will be solid in the right situation, though, and will be an interesting match for Louisville coach Jeff Brohm. In his first start at USC, he threw six touchdown passes in a 42-28 Holiday Bowl win over Louisville last year.
Recruiting rank
4-star (No. 76)
QB
Committed
USC Trojans
Louisville Cardinals
The Waycross, Ga., native was ranked in the top 10 nationally in passing efficiency before being benched against Syracuse on Nov. 9. Castellanos left the team shortly after and announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. He is 11-10 as a starter in college and has completed 58.6 percent of his 507 pass attempts for 3,689 yards, 33 touchdowns and 19 interceptions while running for 1,427 yards and 15 touchdowns. Castellanos began his career at UCF and appeared in five games in 2022 for Gus Malzahn, who is now the offensive coordinator at Florida State.
The Waycross, Ga., native was ranked in the top 10 nationally in passing efficiency before being benched against Syracuse on Nov. 9. Castellanos left the team shortly after and announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. He is 11-10 as a starter in college and has completed 58.6 percent of his 507 pass attempts for 3,689 yards, 33 touchdowns and 19 interceptions while running for 1,427 yards and 15 touchdowns. Castellanos began his career at UCF and appeared in five games in 2022 for Gus Malzahn, who is now the offensive coordinator at Florida State.
Recruiting rank
3-star (No. 545)
QB
Committed
Boston College Eagles
Florida State Seminoles
Veltkamp burst onto the scene with a five-touchdown performance against Old Dominion in Western Kentucky’s bowl game last season. He was in the portal at the time but opted to return after the game. He built on that performance with 2,806 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his first season as the starter. He also rushed for seven scores. It’s difficult to ignore all the physical tools when watching Veltkamp — the arm, sheer size, fluid mobility — but he’s played only one full season at the collegiate level. So despite the potential, he’s still a work in progress. A fascinating one, though.
Veltkamp burst onto the scene with a five-touchdown performance against Old Dominion in Western Kentucky’s bowl game last season. He was in the portal at the time but opted to return after the game. He built on that performance with 2,806 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his first season as the starter. He also rushed for seven scores. It’s difficult to ignore all the physical tools when watching Veltkamp — the arm, sheer size, fluid mobility — but he’s played only one full season at the collegiate level. So despite the potential, he’s still a work in progress. A fascinating one, though.
Recruiting rank
3-star (No. 838)
QB
Committed
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Florida Atlantic Owls
Morris, the son of former SMU and Arkansas head coach Chad Morris, ranked fifth nationally in passing (314.5 yards per game) and fourth in touchdown passes (31) in his only season at North Texas. Morris spent one year at Oklahoma and three at TCU and is 11-10 as a starter in his career.
Morris, the son of former SMU and Arkansas head coach Chad Morris, ranked fifth nationally in passing (314.5 yards per game) and fourth in touchdown passes (31) in his only season at North Texas. Morris spent one year at Oklahoma and three at TCU and is 11-10 as a starter in his career.
Recruiting rank
3-star (No. 485)
QB
Committed
North Texas Mean Green
Virginia Cavaliers
Keene is one of the more experienced options in the portal. He’s played in 39 career games with UCF and Fresno State and has passed for 8,245 yards with 65 touchdowns and 28 interceptions. Jeff Tedford is a QB-friendly coach but stepped down at Fresno State one month before the season started and Keene’s numbers declined across the board in 2024. He has been productive enough to warrant a shot at moving up to a Power 4 program, and he will get that opportunity at Michigan. Keene could serve as an ideal one-year bridge quarterback before Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 prospect in the nation, takes over in 2026.
Keene is one of the more experienced options in the portal. He’s played in 39 career games with UCF and Fresno State and has passed for 8,245 yards with 65 touchdowns and 28 interceptions. Jeff Tedford is a QB-friendly coach but stepped down at Fresno State one month before the season started and Keene’s numbers declined across the board in 2024. He has been productive enough to warrant a shot at moving up to a Power 4 program, and he will get that opportunity at Michigan. Keene could serve as an ideal one-year bridge quarterback before Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 prospect in the nation, takes over in 2026.
Recruiting rank
3-star (No. 818)
QB
Committed
Fresno State Bulldogs
Michigan Wolverines
It was a true breakout season for Braxton, who transferred to Marshall after three seasons at Tulsa. Braxton is still developing but possesses a big arm and is a strong runner. He threw for 1,624 yards, 19 touchdowns and two interceptions and rushed for 610 yards and four scores in 2024. A source close to the Marshall program said his leadership qualities really stood out this season as he led the Thundering Herd to a Sun Belt championship.
It was a true breakout season for Braxton, who transferred to Marshall after three seasons at Tulsa. Braxton is still developing but possesses a big arm and is a strong runner. He threw for 1,624 yards, 19 touchdowns and two interceptions and rushed for 610 yards and four scores in 2024. A source close to the Marshall program said his leadership qualities really stood out this season as he led the Thundering Herd to a Sun Belt championship.
Recruiting rank
3-star (No. 968)
QB
Committed
Marshall Thundering Herd
Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles
The Springfield, Va., native threw for 2,881 yards (third-most in the Big Ten) despite missing parts of the final two games of the regular season with a thumb injury. He completed 65 percent of his league-high 420 attempts for 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions over his 11 starts in 2024. He is 7-8 in his career as a starter. There was some buzz about Michigan shortly after he entered the portal, but he took a trip to Madison and committed to Wisconsin shortly after.
The Springfield, Va., native threw for 2,881 yards (third-most in the Big Ten) despite missing parts of the final two games of the regular season with a thumb injury. He completed 65 percent of his league-high 420 attempts for 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions over his 11 starts in 2024. He is 7-8 in his career as a starter. There was some buzz about Michigan shortly after he entered the portal, but he took a trip to Madison and committed to Wisconsin shortly after.
Recruiting rank
3-star (No. 1,509)
Committed
Maryland Terrapins
Wisconsin Badgers
Pribula played a key role as a change-of-pace option to starter Drew Allar, appearing in every game this season, rushing for 242 yards and accounting for nine total touchdowns. He opted to enter the portal — and leave Penn State before the College Football Playoff — after Allar made the decision to return for his senior season. Three Power 4 recruiting staffers are intrigued by his potential because of his athleticism, accuracy and grit and feel they could win with him. But all three believe he is limited as a thrower.
Pribula played a key role as a change-of-pace option to starter Drew Allar, appearing in every game this season, rushing for 242 yards and accounting for nine total touchdowns. He opted to enter the portal — and leave Penn State before the College Football Playoff — after Allar made the decision to return for his senior season. Three Power 4 recruiting staffers are intrigued by his potential because of his athleticism, accuracy and grit and feel they could win with him. But all three believe he is limited as a thrower.
Recruiting rank
3-star (No. 464)
QB
Committed
Penn State Nittany Lions
Missouri Tigers
Gronowski guided the Jackrabbits to national titles in 2022 and 2023 and a semifinal appearance this fall. During the 2023 season, he swept nearly every national honor, including the coveted Walter Payton Award, the FCS’s version of the Heisman Trophy. This season, Gronowski completed 60.9 percent of his passes for 2,721 yards and 23 touchdowns. He also rushed for 380 yards and 10 scores. Is he the answer to Iowa’s ongoing quarterback woes?
Gronowski guided the Jackrabbits to national titles in 2022 and 2023 and a semifinal appearance this fall. During the 2023 season, he swept nearly every national honor, including the coveted Walter Payton Award, the FCS’s version of the Heisman Trophy. This season, Gronowski completed 60.9 percent of his passes for 2,721 yards and 23 touchdowns. He also rushed for 380 yards and 10 scores. Is he the answer to Iowa’s ongoing quarterback woes?
QB
Committed
South Dakota State Jackrabbits
Iowa Hawkeyes
Sluka left UNLV three games into the season over an NIL dispute. The Rebels were 3-0 and had emerged as a legitimate College Football Playoff team, which made the decision even more surprising. Sluka was effective running the ball (team-high 253 rushing yards through three games) but struggled in the passing game, completing only 43.8 percent of his attempts. He did throw for 5,916 yards and 59 touchdowns in four seasons at FCS Holy Cross. The Rebels received better quarterback play from Hajj-Malik Williams as well, so that might have impacted how some programs viewed him.
Sluka left UNLV three games into the season over an NIL dispute. The Rebels were 3-0 and had emerged as a legitimate College Football Playoff team, which made the decision even more surprising. Sluka was effective running the ball (team-high 253 rushing yards through three games) but struggled in the passing game, completing only 43.8 percent of his attempts. He did throw for 5,916 yards and 59 touchdowns in four seasons at FCS Holy Cross. The Rebels received better quarterback play from Hajj-Malik Williams as well, so that might have impacted how some programs viewed him.
Daniels was the primary quarterback for Stanford the past two seasons but he is still raw as a pure passer. His best season came in 2023 when he completed 58.8 percent of his attempts for 2,247 yards, 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions. His completion percentage climbed to 62.7 percent in 2024 but he threw for fewer yards (1,700), touchdowns (10) and more interceptions (12). Daniels is a threat on the ground and led the Cardinal with 669 rushing yards in 2024.
Daniels was the primary quarterback for Stanford the past two seasons but he is still raw as a pure passer. His best season came in 2023 when he completed 58.8 percent of his attempts for 2,247 yards, 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions. His completion percentage climbed to 62.7 percent in 2024 but he threw for fewer yards (1,700), touchdowns (10) and more interceptions (12). Daniels is a threat on the ground and led the Cardinal with 669 rushing yards in 2024.
Recruiting rank
3-star (No. 994)
QB
Committed
Stanford Cardinal
Auburn Tigers
Semonza, a native of Southern California, earned MAC Freshman of the Year honors after throwing for 2,904, 25 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions. He did run for a touchdown but is not much of a rushing threat. Semonza didn’t get many offers coming out of high school because of his size, but he has 15 college starts under his belt (he started three games as a true freshman in 2023) and three years of eligibility left.
Semonza, a native of Southern California, earned MAC Freshman of the Year honors after throwing for 2,904, 25 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions. He did run for a touchdown but is not much of a rushing threat. Semonza didn’t get many offers coming out of high school because of his size, but he has 15 college starts under his belt (he started three games as a true freshman in 2023) and three years of eligibility left.
Recruiting rank
3-star (No. 1,756)
QB
Committed
Ball State Cardinals
Tulane Green Wave
Colandrea certainly is an entertaining quarterback to watch. He has good playmaking ability because of his athleticism. He’s rushed for 502 yards over the past two seasons and is able to scramble to extend plays. He seems like a boom-or-bust type of player, though. He’s passed for 26 touchdowns and 20 interceptions in 19 career games. Now, he’s off to play for Dan Mullen and the UNLV Rebels.
Colandrea certainly is an entertaining quarterback to watch. He has good playmaking ability because of his athleticism. He’s rushed for 502 yards over the past two seasons and is able to scramble to extend plays. He seems like a boom-or-bust type of player, though. He’s passed for 26 touchdowns and 20 interceptions in 19 career games. Now, he’s off to play for Dan Mullen and the UNLV Rebels.
Recruiting rank
3-star (No. 1,463)
QB
Committed
Virginia Cavaliers
UNLV Rebels
It’s not often a true freshman who started eight games in the SEC pops into the transfer portal. But the Bowie, Md., native started searching for a new home after the Bulldogs made it clear they’re looking to turn things around quickly with a veteran following a 2-10 debut season for Jeff Lebby. Van Buren took over the starting role in Week 5 against Texas and completed 54.7 percent of his attempts for 1,886 yards, 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also ran for five TDs. Van Buren was initially committed to Oregon before flipping to Mississippi State and Lebby last December. With Garrett Nussmeier back for another season, there isn’t a path to immediate playing time at LSU.
It’s not often a true freshman who started eight games in the SEC pops into the transfer portal. But the Bowie, Md., native started searching for a new home after the Bulldogs made it clear they’re looking to turn things around quickly with a veteran following a 2-10 debut season for Jeff Lebby. Van Buren took over the starting role in Week 5 against Texas and completed 54.7 percent of his attempts for 1,886 yards, 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also ran for five TDs. Van Buren was initially committed to Oregon before flipping to Mississippi State and Lebby last December. With Garrett Nussmeier back for another season, there isn’t a path to immediate playing time at LSU.
Recruiting rank
4-star (No. 239)
QB
Committed
Mississippi State Bulldogs
LSU Tigers
Before sustaining a season-ending injury late in the 2023 season, Stone was the toast of Dallas. The highest-ranked recruit in SMU history, Stone led the Mustangs to an AAC title, starting 12 games and completing 60 percent of his 344 pass attempts for 3,197 yards, 28 touchdowns and only six interceptions. He battled back from injury and won the starting job in 2024 but was replaced by Kevin Jennings after SMU lost to BYU in early September. Now, Stone needs to prove he can return to form.
Before sustaining a season-ending injury late in the 2023 season, Stone was the toast of Dallas. The highest-ranked recruit in SMU history, Stone led the Mustangs to an AAC title, starting 12 games and completing 60 percent of his 344 pass attempts for 3,197 yards, 28 touchdowns and only six interceptions. He battled back from injury and won the starting job in 2024 but was replaced by Kevin Jennings after SMU lost to BYU in early September. Now, Stone needs to prove he can return to form.
Recruiting rank
4-star (No. 111)
QB
Committed
SMU Mustangs
Northwestern Wildcats
The California native is taking advantage of the NCAA’s recent ruling allowing former junior college transfers to extend their eligibility through next season. In 25 career starts for the Mountaineers, Aguilar completed 60 percent of his pass attempts for 6,760 yards, 56 touchdowns and 24 interceptions and ran for 456 yards and five scores. He spent two seasons at Diablo Valley Community College near San Francisco prior to becoming the Sun Belt Conference’s 2023 Newcomer of the Year.
The California native is taking advantage of the NCAA’s recent ruling allowing former junior college transfers to extend their eligibility through next season. In 25 career starts for the Mountaineers, Aguilar completed 60 percent of his pass attempts for 6,760 yards, 56 touchdowns and 24 interceptions and ran for 456 yards and five scores. He spent two seasons at Diablo Valley Community College near San Francisco prior to becoming the Sun Belt Conference’s 2023 Newcomer of the Year.
QB
Committed
Appalachian State Mountaineers
UCLA Bruins
McCoy was the winner of the 2022 Jerry Rice Award (top freshman in the FCS) and a finalist for the 2023 Walter Payton Award (top player in the FCS) while at Idaho. Oregon State won four of its first five games this season but struggled down the stretch after McCoy suffered a shoulder injury in early October. He finished the season completing 60.9 percent of his attempts for 1,300 yards, three touchdowns and six interceptions while rushing for 328 yards and five scores. In 23 starts at Idaho, McCoy threw for 5,834 yards with 43 touchdowns and 19 interceptions.
McCoy was the winner of the 2022 Jerry Rice Award (top freshman in the FCS) and a finalist for the 2023 Walter Payton Award (top player in the FCS) while at Idaho. Oregon State won four of its first five games this season but struggled down the stretch after McCoy suffered a shoulder injury in early October. He finished the season completing 60.9 percent of his attempts for 1,300 yards, three touchdowns and six interceptions while rushing for 328 yards and five scores. In 23 starts at Idaho, McCoy threw for 5,834 yards with 43 touchdowns and 19 interceptions.
QB
In portal
Oregon State Beavers
The Savannah, Ga., native started the final two games of Florida State’s horrid 2-10 season — a win over Charleston Southern and a loss to rival Florida. With Gus Malzahn taking over the offense in Tallahassee, Kromenhoek knew he had to find a new home. In six games, he completed 52.4 percent of his 84 pass attempts for 502 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions while running for 113 yards.
The Savannah, Ga., native started the final two games of Florida State’s horrid 2-10 season — a win over Charleston Southern and a loss to rival Florida. With Gus Malzahn taking over the offense in Tallahassee, Kromenhoek knew he had to find a new home. In six games, he completed 52.4 percent of his 84 pass attempts for 502 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions while running for 113 yards.
Recruiting rank
4-star (No. 59)
QB
Committed
Florida State Seminoles
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Singleton, who backed up Taylen Green this season, rushed for a touchdown in the Razorbacks’ win over Tennessee and earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors when he came off the bench and threw for 207 yards in a 63-31 loss to Ole Miss. Gus Malzahn (Florida State), Mike Bobo (Georgia) and Rhett Lashlee (SMU) were among the coaches who tried to recruit the Georgia native out of high school.
Singleton, who backed up Taylen Green this season, rushed for a touchdown in the Razorbacks’ win over Tennessee and earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors when he came off the bench and threw for 207 yards in a 63-31 loss to Ole Miss. Gus Malzahn (Florida State), Mike Bobo (Georgia) and Rhett Lashlee (SMU) were among the coaches who tried to recruit the Georgia native out of high school.
Recruiting rank
4-star (No. 388)
QB
Committed
Arkansas Razorbacks
Purdue Boilermakers
Brown has attempted just 47 passes in three seasons, so he’s still an unknown commodity. He competed for the starting quarterback job at Ohio State the past two years but lost to Kyle McCord in 2023 and Will Howard in 2024. He started the Cotton Bowl against Missouri last season but suffered an ankle injury in the first half, cutting short a precious starting opportunity. Brown had a strong recruiting pedigree and spent three seasons with Ryan Day, so it’s easy to envision a program taking a shot with him.
Brown has attempted just 47 passes in three seasons, so he’s still an unknown commodity. He competed for the starting quarterback job at Ohio State the past two years but lost to Kyle McCord in 2023 and Will Howard in 2024. He started the Cotton Bowl against Missouri last season but suffered an ankle injury in the first half, cutting short a precious starting opportunity. Brown had a strong recruiting pedigree and spent three seasons with Ryan Day, so it’s easy to envision a program taking a shot with him.
Recruiting rank
4-star (No. 43)
QB
In portal
Ohio State Buckeyes
Tulane will be the fifth school for the Louisiana native and former LSU signee. Finley is one of the more experienced quarterbacks in the transfer portal with a 14-13 record in 27 starts, including an 8-5 mark as the full-time starter at Texas State in 2023 when he completed 67.4 percent of his attempts for 3,439 yards, 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions and led the Bobcats to their first bowl game. He started the first three games of the 2024 season at Western Kentucky before being sidelined by an ankle injury in mid-September.
Tulane will be the fifth school for the Louisiana native and former LSU signee. Finley is one of the more experienced quarterbacks in the transfer portal with a 14-13 record in 27 starts, including an 8-5 mark as the full-time starter at Texas State in 2023 when he completed 67.4 percent of his attempts for 3,439 yards, 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions and led the Bobcats to their first bowl game. He started the first three games of the 2024 season at Western Kentucky before being sidelined by an ankle injury in mid-September.
Recruiting rank
3-star (No. 486)
QB
Committed
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Tulane Green Wave
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