The college football transfer portal opened last week, and most of the top quarterbacks in the portal have yet to choose a new school. For quarterbacks, especially those transferring in this cycle, it is imperative that they make wise decisions.
Unlike recruiting from high school to college, the NCAA portal provides a more accurate predictor of success as coaches can evaluate players against college competition. Louisville, Kentucky and North Carolina are among the Power 5 teams to have already landed a transfer signal-caller, and power programs like Ohio State, Miami, Michigan, Florida State and Notre Dame also could be in the market for transfers.
Let's find perfect fits for 10 transfers in the portal, starting with a big-time school for Washington State's former starter:
coverage:
Ranking best players in portal
Top available transfer QBs
Cam Ward, QB
Transferring from: Washington State
Best fit: Ohio State
Why Ward fits here: If he wants a shot at winning a championship it has to be Ohio State. He would bring Justin Fields elements to the offense. While USC looks attractive on the surface, it will be more of a rebuild in 2024. Ward brings the athletic ability and quick release the Buckeyes need in their offense. He can be risky with the football at times but is also very productive and capable of making magical plays. Ward would develop better habits under Ryan Day's coaching and become a perfect fit to take over OSU's offense.
Dante Moore, QB
Transferring from: UCLA
Best fit: Michigan
Why Moore fits here: Moore is likely at the top of a lot of people's boards because of his upside, eligibility and flashes he showed this fall at UCLA. Going to Michigan makes sense for Moore, a Detroit native, who would get to go back home and compete for a championship every year during his remaining eligibility. He's not quite the same runner, but as a passer, he has a lot of the same traits Jayden Daniels possesses.
Will Howard, QB
Transferring from: Kansas State
Best fit: USC
Why Howard fits here: One of three quarterbacks on this list who has won a championship, Howard is a perfect match for USC. Howard has played in a more conservative ground approach at K-State, and a season under Lincoln Riley's leadership could transform him as a passer because accuracy and decision-making are still issues for Howard. The elite arm strength is definitely there to mold. USC is rebuilding in a lot of areas, but Riley's track record with quarterbacks is unmatched.
DJ Uiagalelei, QB
Transferring from: Oregon State
Best fit: Florida State
Why Uiagalelei fits here: At this point, with DJU, what you see is what you get. Uiagalelei has completed over 60% of his passes for a season just once in his career. He was up and down this season for the Beavers, but it did seem like a better fit for him. His former coach, Jonathan Smith, went from Oregon State to Michigan State. The Spartans could be a landing spot, but this comes down to if FSU wants a one-year gap prospect. He still might not be the answer for the Seminoles.
Grayson McCall, QB
Transferring from: Coastal Carolina
Best fit: UCF
Why McCall fits here: Gus Malzahn has always had an offense that thrives when the quarterback is a legitimate runner and understands option principles within the spread offense. McCall can also be used as a designated runner. Although his touchdown numbers went down, he actually had his highest career completion percentage in 2023.
Kyle McCord, QB
Transferring from: Ohio State
Best fit: Nebraska
Why McCord fits here: If you watch Nebraska, the QB position lost games for the Cornhuskers last year. They need a facilitator and winner more than someone with elite physical traits. We think that McCord has good skills, including excellent accuracy and decent mobility, and Matt Rhule won't ask him to do much outside the system. If McCord plays within the system, Nebraska could be much more competitive. He's smart, poised and competitive. He's a winner, and that's something Nebraska needs as well.
Will Rogers, QB
Transferring from: Mississippi State
Best fit: Washington State
Why Rogers fits here: The talk is about Washington being the front-runner, but Rogers needs to find himself back in an Air Raid offense. He does not have the vertical arm strength of Michael Penix Jr. and did not look comfortable in a more traditional offensive style. A place like Washington State seems like a good fit given its system.
MJ Morris, QB
Transferring from: NC State
Best fit: Maryland
Why Morris fits here: At Maryland, Morris should provide similar production as Taulia Tagovailoa. Both are not flashy but move the chains. There is both need and scheme fit and he could really develop as a passer under Mike Locksley. Maryland has two younger players in the fold, but Morris has shown bright flashes and, for the most part, has been very productive when he has played.
Tyler Van Dyke, QB
Transferring from: Miami
Best fit: Wisconsin
Why Van Dyke fits here: If Wisconsin ends up being the landing spot, this could be really good for Van Dyke. He is at his best when he's up-tempo and getting the ball out of his hand quickly, and coordinator Phil Longo and the Badgers need a quarterback. Van Dyke has not been able to replicate the success he had in 2021, but the right fit could lead to a very successful 2024 campaign.
Note: Van Dyke committed to Wisconsin on Wednesday.
Riley Leonard, QB
Transferring from: Duke
Best fit: Notre Dame
Why Leonard fits here: Leonard's entire makeup fits Notre Dame perfectly, just as it did at Duke. Mentally and physically, he's a fit for South Bend and what the Irish look for in the position. Leonard would add an athletic element to the offense that Sam Hartman did not bring, which would enhance the scheme. He also won't be asked to make downfield throws that might be above his arm talent. Plus, he has multiple years of eligibility. Leonard has many NFL-caliber traits and a high ceiling.
Note: Leonard committed to Notre Dame on Tuesday morning.