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In today's college football landscape, the transfer portal is a valuable tool for programs wanting to rebuild on the fly or replace top players who departed after strong seasons. Like at any level of football, the quarterback position is the most important, so transfer signal-callers get the most spotlight and recognition.
Players like Joe Burrow, Michael Penix Jr., and Bo Nix have had successful finishes to their college careers after moving to new programs, so let's take a look at who could be next in line.
Which quarterbacks on the move will make the most significant impacts this season? Let's dive in with our 2024 Transfer Quarterback Power Rankings.
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Honorable Mentions
- Maalik Murphy, Duke
- Malachi Nelson, Boise State
- Will Rogers, Washington
- KJ Jefferson, UCF
6. Riley Leonard, Notre Dame
Transferred From: Duke
Career Stats: 4,450 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 1,224 rushing yards, and 19 rushing touchdowns
Win/Loss Record: 13-8
Former Blue Devils quarterback Riley Leonard is expected to lead the Notre Dame offense this year, and hopefully for Irish fans, he will have a little bit more success than Sam Hartman did. The Alabama native is a dual-threat weapon and is set to play with the best supporting cast of his career.
Riley Leonard had the Clemson defense on skates. Wow, he just tightroped that touchdown run.
Whew boy pic.twitter.com/3ry8phwmOs
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) September 5, 2023
He'll face similar opponents since Notre Dame is required to play against five ACC programs per year. Leonard will make his team debut against Texas A&M at Kyle Field, so we'll learn quickly whether or not he has what it takes to elevate the program to contention in front of over 100,000 passionate fans in the SEC.
5. DJ Uiagalelei, Florida State
Transferred From: Oregon State
Career Stats: 8,319 passing yards, 57 passing touchdowns, 24 interceptions, 1,132 rushing yards, and 21 rushing touchdowns
Win/Loss Record: 30-10
After two up-and-down seasons with Clemson, DJ Uiagalelei spent one season at Oregon State, racking up an 8-4 record behind 27 total touchdowns and seven interceptions. He has struggled with accuracy throughout his career, as represented by his 57.1% completion percentage a year ago, but he's set to step into a program that is ready for playoff contention.
The 23-year-old has the profile of a veteran quarterback who can remain poised and under control in the big moments, and FSU is primed for another run at the ACC crown under his leadership.
Seminole Quarterback, DJ Uiagalelei (4) pic.twitter.com/eNZEoeLiA3
— Melina Myers (@melinasphotos) April 20, 2024
4. Will Howard, Ohio State
Transferred From: Kansas State
Career Stats: 5,786 passing yards, 48 passing touchdowns, 25 interceptions, 921 rushing yards, and 19 rushing touchdowns
Win/Loss Record: 14-11
Will Howard is the leader in the clubhouse to win the Buckeyes' starting quarterback job, and he should provide the program with an upgrade over Kyle McCord from last season. The 2023 All-Big 12 gunslinger threw 36 touchdowns to just 12 picks in his last two years as a Wildcat, and needless to say, he'll enjoy his best group of pass-catchers in 2024.
Running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins and wide receivers Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate will give Howard enough firepower to post Heisman-worthy numbers in his first season in the Big Ten.
With 4 touchdown passes vs Texas, Will Howard is now tied for 2nd all time in K-State history. He needs 2 more to tie Josh Freeman at 44. pic.twitter.com/cIUMET5XpC
— The Kansas State Fan (@Thekstatefan) November 6, 2023
3. Cam Ward, Miami
Transferred From: Washington State
Career Stats: 13,874 passing yards, 119 passing touchdowns, 30 interceptions, 265 rushing yards, and 16 rushing touchdowns
Win/Loss Record: 25-19
Cam Ward posted monster numbers as a freshman and sophomore at Incarnate Word, and his excellence continued in two seasons with the Washington State Cougars. His passing numbers speak for themselves, and Miami is hoping it has finally landed a star signal-caller that can put them near the top of the ACC standings.
Ward originally declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, so the Hurricanes likely offered him an NIL deal that he couldn't refuse. It'll be fun to see if the investment pays off.
With 324 yards and three touchdowns, Cam Ward is already making a splash! 🌊@CanesFootball | #ACCFootball pic.twitter.com/t0lUBbR7iA
— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) April 17, 2024
2. Grayson McCall, North Carolina State
Transferred From: Coastal Carolina
Career Stats: 10,005 passing yards, 88 passing touchdowns, 14 interceptions, 1,113 rushing yards, and 18 rushing touchdowns
Win/Loss Record: 33-7
There will surely be concerns about Grayson McCall's ability to replicate his success with the Chanticleers at NC State, but his four-year resume as a college starter is as impressive as they come. McCall has been efficient, accurate, and a rushing threat -- giving him all the tools to succeed in the ACC.
With the College Football Playoff expanding to 12 teams, the Wolfpack could be a sneaky contender to make the tournament should McCall live up to his billing. The program could feature as many as five starters on offense who joined the roster via the transfer portal. All are expected to make big impacts.
1. Dillon Gabriel, Oregon
Transferred From: Oklahoma
Career Stats: 14,865 passing yards, 125 passing touchdowns, 26 interceptions, 1,060 rushing yards, and 26 rushing touchdowns
Win/Loss Record: 33-16
Former Oregon quarterback Bo Nix set an NCAA record with 61 career starts, but Dillon Gabriel should pass him up as long as he starts 13 games in 2024. Gabriel has seen it all in his time with UCF and Oklahoma, and it would be somewhat surprising if he's not a clear-cut Heisman Trophy contender this season.
OH MY GOD DILLON GABRIEL LEGACY DRIVE pic.twitter.com/OByZWJlBGj
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) October 7, 2023
The Ducks could have an adjustment period in their move to the Big Ten, but Dan Lanning's squads have already been physical and fast units. Will Oregon compete with Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State for a Big Ten title? It's certainly possible with Gabriel running the show.
