What quaterbacks have entered the portal?

In college football, the transfer portal has become an integral part of the sport. It allows players to explore other opportunities and transfer to different schools without having to sit out a year. Quarterbacks, being the most important position on the field, often generate significant attention when they enter the transfer portal. In this article, we will explore some notable quarterbacks who have made the decision to enter the portal in recent years. We will discuss their reasons for transferring, their impact on their new teams, and the overall implications of quarterbacks entering the transfer portal.

1. Jalen Hurts

One of the most high-profile quarterbacks to enter the transfer portal in recent years is Jalen Hurts. Hurts originally played for the Alabama Crimson Tide, leading them to two national championship appearances. However, he lost his starting job to Tua Tagovailoa and decided to transfer to the University of Oklahoma. Hurts had an exceptional season with the Sooners, throwing for over 3,800 yards and rushing for over 1,200 yards. His decision to enter the portal paid off, as he was able to showcase his skills and improve his draft stock.

2. Justin Fields

Justin Fields is another quarterback who made a successful transition after entering the transfer portal. Fields initially played for the Georgia Bulldogs but opted to transfer to Ohio State University. The move proved to be a wise decision, as Fields had an outstanding season with the Buckeyes. He threw for over 3,200 yards and had a remarkable touchdown-to-interception ratio. Fields' performance helped Ohio State reach the College Football Playoff and solidified his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the country.

3. Joe Burrow

Joe Burrow's decision to enter the transfer portal turned out to be a game-changer for both him and the LSU Tigers. Burrow started his college career at Ohio State but struggled to secure the starting job. He then transferred to LSU, where he flourished under the guidance of head coach Ed Orgeron and offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Burrow had a record-breaking season in 2019, throwing for over 5,600 yards and 60 touchdowns. He won the Heisman Trophy and led LSU to a national championship, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest college quarterbacks of all time.

4. Tate Martell

While not all quarterbacks who enter the transfer portal find success, Tate Martell's story serves as a cautionary tale. Martell was a highly touted recruit who initially committed to Ohio State. However, after Justin Fields transferred to the Buckeyes, Martell decided to enter the portal and transferred to the University of Miami. Unfortunately, Martell struggled to find playing time and was eventually moved to wide receiver. His decision to enter the portal did not lead to the desired outcome, highlighting the risks involved in transferring.

5. Jacob Eason

Jacob Eason's transfer journey took him from Georgia to Washington. Eason began his college career at Georgia but suffered an injury that opened the door for Jake Fromm to take over as the Bulldogs' starting quarterback. Eason decided to transfer to Washington, where he had a solid season as the starter. He threw for over 3,100 yards and led the Huskies to a bowl game victory. While Eason's decision to enter the portal didn't result in immediate championship success, it allowed him to showcase his skills and potentially improve his draft prospects.

The transfer portal has become a significant part of college football, and quarterbacks are among the players who frequently utilize this option. The examples of Jalen Hurts, Justin Fields, Joe Burrow, Tate Martell, and Jacob Eason demonstrate the potential impact quarterbacks can have when they enter the portal. While some find success and thrive in their new environments, others face challenges and struggle to make an impact. The decision to transfer is not without risks, but for many quarterbacks, it provides an opportunity to find a better fit and achieve their full potential.