NCAAF · 1 year ago

Ranking the Top 20 Quarterbacks in the Transfer Portal

John Canady

Host · Writer

#20 AJ Swann (Vanderbilt —> LSU)
AJ Swann, moving from Vanderbilt to LSU, is seeking a fresh opportunity to learn and potentially compete for a starting role. The seasoned college quarterback is poised to showcase his talent with the Tigers, benefitting from the prospect of a more competitive team surrounding him. The transfer to LSU opens up new possibilities for Swann to impact the team's success significantly in the upcoming season.
Ranking the Top 10 Quarterbacks in the Transfer Portal
The silly season in college football has returned yet again, and this year’s transfer portal is looking to be a crazy ride for fans and teams across the nation. With many top talent entering the portal, some surprising names will be looking for a new collegiate home. Here’s a look at the top ten quarterbacks in the transfer portal.
#1 Cam Ward (Washington State)
Cam Ward has quietly been one of the nation's underrated quarterbacks for several years. Currently undecided between transferring to another program or declaring for the NFL Draft, Ward is poised to become one of the most sought-after prospects if he chooses to return. At 21 years old, with multiple suitors showing interest, he can use his final year of eligibility to elevate his draft stock and significantly impact the upcoming season.
#2 Dillon Gabriel (Oklahoma —> Oregon)
Dillon Gabriel, an early entrant into the transfer portal, quickly found a landing spot, making it a seemingly obvious choice. Gabriel's talent is evident after an impressive season with 30 passing touchdowns, 12 rushing touchdowns, and only six interceptions. With Bo Nix leaving Oregon and considering the success of the Heisman finalist with the Ducks, Gabriel has the potential to elevate his game further, contributing to Oregon's aspirations to return to the College Football Playoff.
#3 Will Howard (Kansas State)
Will Howard, concluding his most efficient season in his four-year stint with the Kansas State Wildcats, stands at 6-foot-5, equipped with both size and a strong arm, making him a potent passer at the college level. Howard, seeking more significant opportunities and a more competitive environment, has entered the transfer portal. Eager to advance his game, he aims to capitalize on new opportunities that align better with his ambitions for growth and success.
#4 Dante Moore (UCLA —> Oregon)
Initially committed to UCLA as a highly regarded prospect, Dante Moore faced challenges in his freshman season despite showing promise. Recognizing the need for a change, Moore decided to seek a new opportunity. His recent commitment to Oregon positions him to develop his skills further, spending another year behind Dillon Gabriel and eventually stepping into a leadership role for the Ducks' program. This move offers Moore a fresh start and the potential for significant growth in his collegiate career.
#5 Malachi Nelson (USC)
Malachi Nelson, a recent and somewhat surprising addition to the transfer portal, has sparked intrigue. Rumors about USC's interest in Kansas State transfer Will Howard shed light on the potential motivations behind the decision of the former five-star recruit to explore new opportunities and seek a fresh start. The dynamics within the transfer portal continue to keep fans and analysts alike on their toes with unexpected developments.
#6 Aidan Chiles (Oregon State —> Michigan State)
In his freshman year with Oregon State, Aidan Chiles served as the backup to DJ Uiagalelei and had limited playing time. Despite the constraints, the dual-threat quarterback showcased considerable promise in the snaps he did receive. Chiles opted to enter the transfer portal and swiftly secured a new opportunity with the Michigan State Spartans. This move allows Chiles to potentially play a more prominent role and contribute to the Spartans' program.
#7 Riley Leonard (Duke —> Notre Dame)
Riley Leonard, a rising quarterback talent, entered the transfer portal with a do-not-contact designation, suggesting a predetermined preferred destination. Shortly after, the Duke transfer officially committed to Notre Dame, fulfilling a dream. With Marcus Freeman at the helm for the Fighting Irish, tapping into Leonard's potential could position Notre Dame as a formidable force in the college football landscape.
#8 Brock Vandagriff (Georgia —> Kentucky)
Brock Vandagriff, a highly skilled quarterback, recently entered the transfer portal and swiftly committed to Kentucky on December 6. Despite being a former top prospect, Vandagriff opted for a fresh start after his time with Georgia didn't lead to a starting role. Standing at six-foot-three, the sophomore possesses a versatile arm and scrambling ability. His move to Kentucky presents an opportunity to showcase his talents in the competitive SEC, providing him a platform to make significant contributions in the coming season.
#9 Kyle McCord (Ohio State —> Syracuse)
Kyle McCord was among the notable surprises in the transfer portal's opening. The junior, coming off a stellar season with 24 passing touchdowns and just six interceptions, sought a change of scenery to elevate his game further. Ultimately, the Ohio State transfer found a new home, committing to Syracuse and adding his talents to the Orange's roster. This move marks a significant chapter in McCord's collegiate career as he looks to make an impact in a new environment.
#10 KJ Jefferson (Arkansas)
KJ Jefferson, initially rumored to be considering entering the transfer portal, officially joined as a graduate transfer after a couple of weeks. The Arkansas prospect's decision sparked curiosity during the portal's opening period. With his valuable experience and versatility, the SEC transfer is poised to make a significant impact, potentially elevating the performance of the team he joins to the next level.
#11 Will Rogers (Mississippi State)
Despite facing challenges during a tough season for the Mississippi State Bulldogs, Will Rogers remains a promising quarterback prospect. His performance, affected by broader team issues, doesn't overshadow his potential. With an impressive track record of 94 touchdowns and 28 interceptions over four seasons, Rogers was highly sought after by teams looking to enhance their roster. In a notable decision, he has committed to Washington, positioning himself for a significant role and succeeding Michael Penix Jr. in the upcoming season.
#12 DJ Uiagalelei (Oregon State)
DJ Uiagalelei, a former five-star recruit, has entered the transfer portal for the second consecutive year. Despite an impressive total of 28 touchdowns, he has yet to fully meet the expectations set during his freshman year. However, with the right offensive-minded head coach, the Oregon State transfer has the opportunity to unlock the potential that scouts initially recognized. A change in scenery could provide Uiagalelei with the environment needed to showcase his talent more prominently.
#13 Tyler Van Dyke (Miami —> Wisconsin)
Tyler Van Dyke, opting for a fresh start after four years with the Miami Hurricanes, quickly found a new home with the Wisconsin Badgers, committing just one week after entering the transfer portal. Standing at 6-foot-4, Van Dyke brings his pocket-passing skills to Wisconsin. The move is a potential win-win scenario, addressing the Badgers' quarterback struggles from the previous season. If the 22-year-old can have a breakout season, it has the potential to propel Wisconsin back into contention in the NCAA.
#14 Grayson McCall (Coastal Carolina —> NC State)
Grayson McCall may not be a widely recognized name, but his on-field performance has made an impression on multiple teams. Despite a career-low season with the Chanticleers, the senior transfer, a 6-foot-3 pocket passer, boasts an impressive track record of 88 touchdowns and only six interceptions over five seasons with Coastal Carolina. His commitment to NC State presents an opportunity for the Indian Trail native to showcase his football IQ and skill, potentially rapidly elevating his profile in collegiate football.
#15 Dequan Finn (Toledo —> Baylor)
Dequan Finn's journey with the Toledo Rockets spanned five years, with significant opportunities arising in year three. The dual-threat quarterback has showcased his capabilities with an impressive 88 total touchdowns (63 passing, 25 rushing) while maintaining a relatively low interception count of 23. Finn's potential to evolve into a premier quarterback is evident, and his commitment to Baylor positions the Michigan native to surprise many with his performance in the upcoming season.
#16 Maalik Murphy (Texas)
Maalik Murphy faced the challenge of being in a crowded quarterback room at Texas, with the return of Quinn Ewers for another season and the anticipation of Arch Manning as the Longhorns' successor. As the odd man out, Murphy drew interest from several teams eager to harness the talents of the former four-star quarterback. An opportunity to secure a starting quarterback position is likely on the horizon for Murphy as he navigates his next collegiate football venture.
#17 Ty Thompson (Oregon)
Ty Thompson arrived at Oregon with aspirations of becoming the program's future quarterback. However, with Bo Nix joining the Ducks, Oregon bringing in Dillon Gabriel from Oklahoma, and Dante Moore from UCLA, it became evident that Thompson wasn't in the team's plans. Now, the dual-threat quarterback is set to explore other opportunities, testing the waters for his next collegiate football chapter.
#18 Jordan McCloud (JMU)
Jordan McCloud, a standout at JMU, is set to depart the program after his best college football season, which saw him record 32 touchdowns and only nine interceptions in his lone year with the Dukes. Now a senior, McCloud is looking for his fourth team in five years, aiming to enhance his draft stock as he navigates the next chapter of his collegiate football career.
#19 Nate Johnson (Utah —> Vanderbilt)
Nate Johnson, who committed to Utah over notable Power Five competitors like the Michigan Wolverines coming out of high school, has faced limited playing time since joining the Utes. With several years of eligibility remaining, Johnson aims to showcase his game-changing abilities for another program. His commitment to Vanderbilt provides him the opportunity to make a significant impact with a rebuilding Commodore team, giving him a platform to demonstrate his skills and contribute to the team's success.
#20 AJ Swann (Vanderbilt —> LSU)
AJ Swann, moving from Vanderbilt to LSU, is seeking a fresh opportunity to learn and potentially compete for a starting role. The seasoned college quarterback is poised to showcase his talent with the Tigers, benefitting from the prospect of a more competitive team surrounding him. The transfer to LSU opens up new possibilities for Swann to impact the team's success significantly in the upcoming season.
Ranking the Top 10 Quarterbacks in the Transfer Portal
The silly season in college football has returned yet again, and this year’s transfer portal is looking to be a crazy ride for fans and teams across the nation. With many top talent entering the portal, some surprising names will be looking for a new collegiate home. Here’s a look at the top ten quarterbacks in the transfer portal.

Ranking the Top 20 Quarterbacks in the Transfer Portal

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