Analyzing latest transfer portal quarterback additions

Transfer portal quarterbacks have been coming off the board quickly in recent days and here’s a rundown, plus some analysis on the latest moves. 

The college football transfer portal has been busy and some of the bigger names are starting to come off the board.

There is still going to be plenty of movement, especially since there’s a dead period until the first part of January. Then there will be a visit period for players in the transfer portal and we could see some moves made after that.

Transfer portal quarterbacks are coming off the board quickly though. It started with Devin Leary, the top-ranked quarterback in the transfer portal going to Kentucky.

Will Levis certainly worked out for the Wildcats and with a strong defense, Leary should elevate the ceiling of the Kentucky program, and of the early transfer portal quarterback moves, that’s probably the best.

Here are some thoughts on other transfer portal quarterback additions.

Watch out for Oregon State with DJ Uiagalelei

DJ Uiagalelei was the sixth-ranked quarterback in the transfer portal rankings via 247 sports. He wasn’t always perfect at Clemson and certainly could have played better at times. That being said, he completed 62 percent of his passes and had 22 touchdowns for the Tigers last season, in addition to him rushing for over 500 yards.

Oregon State has a bunch of offensive weapons coming back as well as the entire offensive line from a 10-3 team that just dominated Florida in the Las Vegas Bowl.

Florida was missing a bunch of players due to opt-outs but the Beavers have momentum heading into next season and if head coach Jonathan Smith can work his QB magic with Uiagalelei, the Beavers will be a team to watch in the Pac-12 next season.

Graham Mertz to Florida is pretty mid

Florida needs to hope that top-50 freshman Jaden Rashada is ready to play sooner than later because Graham Mertz is a pretty mid addition in my book.

Mertz struggled at Wisconsin and has thrown 26 interceptions in his career compared to 37 touchdown passes. To be fair, Mertz was more productive this past season with 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions compared to 10 touchdowns and 11 picks in 2021, but he completed only 59 percent of his passes and averaged just 7.5 yards per attempt.

Mertz isn’t dynamic. He will add a solid veteran presence and can handle the starting job if Rashada isn’t ready but he’s not someone that should be confused with a superstar and it remains to be seen how he would hold up in the SEC.

Kedon Slovis to BYU is intruiging

Kedon Slovis has had an up-and-down career. He struggled last season with 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He’s also had seasons before with 30 touchdown passes. Slovis didn’t seem like a great fit at Pittsburgh which is why he’s back in the transfer portal.

BYU has a QB-friendly system and heading into the Big 12 next season, Slovis is a solid addition and should help the Cougars be a contender if they can help him get back to playing the kind of football he played as a freshman for USC.