By J.J. Buck – When it comes to developing quarterbacks in college teams are not developing quarterbacks for themselves, but for the next program the QB goes to. It’s the most important position in football and when you have the ability to bring in an impactful player right away coaches are going to jump at that opportunity. Just like in the NFL it’s a big money position. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule made waves this year openly discussing how a good quarterback in the portal could cost $1 to $2 million dollars. That is just a fact and not against the rules when student-athletes can benefit from name, image and likeness deals (NIL). When we look at opportunities it’s not just about playing time, but also what type of collective is involved at the university.
Quarterback Carousel
Will the third time be the charm for Deuce Hogan? After spending two years at Iowa and Kentucky the former four-star recruit from Southlake, Texas is heading to New Mexico State. Hogan did not play at Iowa after redshirting his freshman season. While at Kentucky he made three appearances during the 2022 season one of which was against Iowa in the Transperfect Music City Bowl where he completed 6-of-7 passes for 19-yards.
First year head coach Tony Sanchez in a radio interview with The Opening Drive said that when it comes to the portal once a player enters, they will be gone. However, with Jerry Kill stepping down Sanchez said he would be open to players returning from the portal with the head coaching change. It looks more and more like the reigning CUSA Player of the Year, Diego Pavia won’t return from the portal. The Aggies continued to add depth at QB as JUCO transfer Brandon Nuñez announced on ‘X’ he is joining the program. Last year at Fullerton College threw for 2,037 yards, 22 touchdowns and eight interceptions over 10 games while completing 54% of his passes. That’s three out and two into the Aggies quarterback room this season.
Around the Mountain
Boise State made a splash landing USC transfer Malachi Nelson. The names in the 2023 QB class out of high school were a who’s who; Arch Manning (Texas), Nico Iamaleava (Tennessee), Dante Moore (UCLA, Oregon), Jackson Arnold (Oklahoma) and Nelson. With Caleb Williams on his way to potentially being the #1 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, Nelson could have found himself in a competition to be the starting QB at USC next season. The world watched Miller Moss (starting for Williams who opted out of the bowl game) toss a Holiday Bowl-record six touchdown passes as the Trojans beat Louisville. Nelson entered the portal and Broncos first year head coach Spencer Danielson has the fan base buzzing with the addition of the former five-star recruit.
The Broncos had a spot open at QB after Taylen Green found his way to Arkansas. As a redshirt freshman Green won MVP of the Frisco Bowl and entered this season with high expectations. Green and the Broncos struggled leading to the dismissal of Andy Avalos and all the change the Broncos have seen this offseason.
UNLV posted one of the biggest turnarounds in the conference under first year head coach Berry Odom. The Rebels (9-5, 6-2) hosted the conference title game and lost to Boise State, but one of the reasons they were in that position was redshirt freshman QB Jayden Maiava. Maiava threw for 3,085 yards with 17 touchdowns and ten interceptions. He also rushed for three touchdowns and 277 yards. Maiava entered the portal January 1st and reports have connected the Las Vegas native to USC and Georgia.
Fresno State quarterback Logan Fife committed to then decommitted from Minnesota. Fife was backing up Mikey Keene last year and appeared in 17 games over the last two seasons.
San Diego State added Florida State transfer A.J. Duffy. In two years at FSU he appeared in four games and the one appearance he made this season he did not attempt a pass. Duffy played high school football just outside of Los Angeles, California before finishing at IMG Academy in Florida. Duffy was a four-star recruit.
A lot of the transfers listed above are potential high ceiling players that have yet to get an extended chance. Utah State has gone with more experienced players in the past when it comes to the transfer portal, and they did it again this year. With five seasons of college football under his belt former Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras is heading to Logan, Utah. He played in 35 games for Iowa, from 2018 through 2022 and spent last season rehabbing a shoulder injury.
