College Quarterback Transfers Set to Shine
Welcome to New Teams and New Dreams. Transferring to a new collegiate program presents a college football quarterback with unique challenges and opportunities. On the one hand, they must navigate the complexities of adjusting to a different offensive system. As the offensive leader, they must build rapport with new teammates, and earn the trust of coaches and fans. This transition can be daunting, as it often involves learning new playbooks. They may be forced to adapt to new coaching styles. Plus, they will have to overcome any potential skepticism about their abilities on the field.
However, the upside of such a move is substantial. A fresh start offers the chance to revitalize their career. Particularly, if their previous situation was hindered by limited playing time or a poor team fit. At a new program, a quarterback might find a system better suited to their skill set, more opportunities to showcase their talents, and a renewed sense of motivation and focus. Ultimately, the blend of these challenges and opportunities can lead to personal and professional growth. This could potentially set the stage for a more successful collegiate career becoming a prospect. In this article, we will discuss some college football quarterbacks who have transferred to new teams in hopes of revitalizing new dreams.
Brock Vandagriff, QB (Kentucky)
Embed from Getty ImagesThe former University of Georgia backup quarterback will seek to become the leader of the Kentucky offense. He could significantly benefit from Kentucky’s dynamic offense, particularly with the support of his talented wide receivers. Barion Brown, with his exceptional speed and ability to stretch the field, will open up deep passing opportunities. This will allow Vandagriff to showcase his arm strength. Dane Key‘s precise route running and reliable hands will provide a consistent target in crucial situations.
He will help Vandagriff show his release structure enhancing the efficiency and rhythm of the passing game. Ja’Mori Maclin’s agility and yards-after-catch prowess will also turn short completions into substantial gains. An addition like Maclin will elevate Vandagriff by adding a versatile dimension to the offense. This talented trio of wide receivers will create a balanced and explosive receiving corps. Thus, enabling Vandagriff to maximize his potential to drive the team’s offensive success.
| Passing | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Cmp | Att | Pct | Yds | Y/A | AY/A | TD | Int | Rate |
| *2021 | Georgia | SEC | FR | QB | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 |
| *2022 | Georgia | SEC | FR | QB | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0.0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 |
| *2023 | Georgia | SEC | SO | QB | 8 | 12 | 18 | 66.7 | 165 | 9.2 | 11.4 | 2 | 0 | 180.3 |
| Career | Georgia | 12 | 21 | 57.1 | 165 | 7.9 | 9.8 | 2 | 0 | 154.6 | ||||
Maalik Murphy, QB (Duke)
Embed from Getty ImagesThe former University of Texas backup quarterback Maalik Murphy is poised for success at Duke. His talents and potential should be fully utilized to lead the Blue Devils offense. Murphy, known for his impressive arm strength and athleticism, has the physical tools to thrive in Duke’s offensive scheme. The Blue Devils are designed to maximize quarterback play through a balanced attack of passing and running. At Texas, Murphy gained valuable experience and developed under high-caliber coaching, preparing him to take on a starting role. Duke’s coaching staff will likely tailor their system to the strengths of Murphy building the offense around his athletic abilities. This should allow him to showcase his deep passing accuracy and mobility. With a supportive environment and the opportunity to start, Murphy has the ingredients to succeed. Stepping in as the starting quarterback will elevate the entire Duke offense to new heights.
| Passing | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Cmp | Att | Pct | Yds | Y/A | AY/A | TD | Int | Rate |
| *2023 | Texas | Big 12 | FR | QB | 7 | 40 | 71 | 56.3 | 477 | 6.7 | 5.7 | 3 | 3 | 118.3 |
| Career | Texas | 40 | 71 | 56.3 | 477 | 6.7 | 5.7 | 3 | 3 | 118.3 | ||||
Malachi Nelson, QB (Boise State)
Embed from Getty ImagesPeople should not give up on former top quarterback prospect Malachi Nelson despite his transfer to a Group of 5 college football team like Boise State. Nelson’s move offers a fresh start and an opportunity to fully leverage his talents in a system that can be tailored to his strengths. Known for his exceptional arm strength and accuracy, Nelson can make all the throws required in a collegiate offense. His quick decision-making and mobility allow him to extend plays contributing significantly both in the air and on the ground. Additionally, Boise State’s history of high-powered offenses means Nelson will likely be at the helm of an explosive and productive unit. This will provide ample opportunities for touchdowns and yardage. His resilience and determination to succeed, coupled with his natural talent, make him a player with a high upside.
| Passing | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Cmp | Att | Pct | Yds | Y/A | AY/A | TD | Int | Rate |
| *2023 | USC | Pac-12 | FR | QB | 1 | 1 | 3 | 33.3 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 33.3 |
| Career | USC | 1 | 3 | 33.3 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 33.3 | ||||
Grayson McCall, QB (North Carolina State)
Embed from Getty ImagesFormer Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall has a strong potential to find a resurgence at NC State. Several factors will align well with his skills and experience. At Coastal Carolina, McCall demonstrated exceptional poise, accuracy, and decision-making in a spread option offense. These characteristics can be effectively utilized in NC State’s dynamic and balanced offensive scheme. The Wolfpack’s system, which emphasizes a mix of power running and efficient passing, should allow McCall to leverage his strong arm and football IQ. Moreover, NC State’s robust offensive line and a talented group of skilled players will provide McCall with better protection and more playmaking opportunities. This new opportunity for McCall could unlock his full potential and revitalize his collegiate career.
| Passing | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Cmp | Att | Pct | Yds | Y/A | AY/A | TD | Int | Rate |
| 2019 | Coastal Carolina | Sun Belt | FR | QB | 2 | 4 | 4 | 100.0 | 25 | 6.3 | 11.3 | 1 | 0 | 235.0 |
| *2020 | Coastal Carolina | Sun Belt | FR | QB | 11 | 172 | 250 | 68.8 | 2488 | 10.0 | 11.5 | 26 | 3 | 184.3 |
| *2021 | Coastal Carolina | Sun Belt | SO | QB | 11 | 176 | 241 | 73.0 | 2873 | 11.9 | 13.6 | 27 | 3 | 207.6 |
| *2022 | Coastal Carolina | Sun Belt | JR | QB | 11 | 207 | 297 | 69.7 | 2700 | 9.1 | 10.4 | 24 | 2 | 171.4 |
| *2023 | Coastal Carolina | Sun Belt | SR | QB | 7 | 151 | 224 | 67.4 | 1919 | 8.6 | 8.3 | 10 | 6 | 148.7 |
| Career | Coastal Carolina | 710 | 1016 | 69.9 | 10005 | 9.8 | 11.0 | 88 | 14 | 178.4 | ||||
A.J. Duffy, QB (San Diego State)
Embed from Getty ImagesA.J. Duffy, the former Florida State backup quarterback, has a promising opportunity to find success at San Diego State University if he secures the starting quarterback position. San Diego State’s offensive system, known for its balance and emphasis on both the running and passing game, could provide a conducive environment for Duffy’s development while showcasing his dual-threat capabilities.
The change of scenery offers Duffy a fresh start, potentially allowing him to step out of the shadows and emerge as a key playmaker. Moreover, the Aztecs’ strong defense and solid coaching staff could support him in easing the transition and focusing on elevating his game. With a more favorable chance to lead a team, Duffy has the potential to thrive, leveraging his previous experience and training to bring a new dynamism to San Diego State’s offense. This new beginning might also reignite his passion and confidence. The opportunity as an Aztec could elevate him to new heights in his collegiate career.
| Passing | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Cmp | Att | Pct | Yds | Y/A | AY/A | TD | Int | Rate |
| *2022 | Florida State | ACC | FR | QB | 3 | 2 | 7 | 28.6 | 26 | 3.7 | 6.6 | 1 | 0 | 106.9 |
| *2023 | Florida State | ACC | FR | QB | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||
| Career | Florida State | 2 | 7 | 28.6 | 26 | 3.7 | 6.6 | 1 | 0 | 106.9 | ||||
Honorable Mentions:
Michigan State – Aidan Chiles, formerly Oregon State
Florida State – D.J. Uiagalelei, formerly Oregon State
Miami – Cameron Ward, formerly Washington State
Oregon – Dillon Gabriel, formerly Oklahoma
Pittsburgh – Eli Holstein, formerly Alabama
USC – Jayden Maiava, formerly UNLV
Texas State – Jordan McCloud, formerly James Madison
Do not miss out on our Devy Diamonds series where S.C. Romero highlights potential NFL prospects. Stay up to date with all our videos and articles coming out by following @TheFFUniverse on X.
