College Football 2015 Graduate Transfer Quarterbacks: Big Names, Big Programs in Play

The transition to College Football’s 2015 talking season continues. One interesting discussion is graduate transfer quarterbacks. Three big names could be in the market for a new program in the coming weeks or months. A number of big-name teams could use a plug and play senior.

Quarterbacks Who Could Be On The Move

Braxton Miller [Ohio State] Miller was heading into his senior season as a Heisman candidate before hurting his shoulder. But, J.T. Barrett replicated his production as a freshman (and was a better passer). Then Cardale Jones and his Big Bertha arm won the national title. Miller, still trying to get healthy, may struggle to get on the field in Columbus. It’s hard emotionally to leave Ohio State, after he’s done so much. But, if he’s willing, there will be suitors.

Everett Golson [Notre Dame] Golson led Notre Dame to the BCS title game in 2012, then he missed 2013 after a cheating scandal. He returned making big throws in 2014, but proved inconsistent and turnover prone as the season progressed and lost the starting job to Malik Zaire. Golson’s no slam dunk Heisman candidate. But, reportedly, 24 schools have expressed interest. Golson, reportedly, reached out to LSU about transferring. One limiting factor could be his academic past, which is serious enough to give even the SEC pause.

Kevin Hogan [Stanford] Reports hinted at a breakdown between Hogan and coach David Shaw over the Cardinal’s conservative play-calling. Stanford still ran way more than it passed, despite not having an efficient feature back. Hogan has experience against top opponents and two Rose Bowl trips under his belt. He’d be attractive to pro-style teams. That said, he could enter a shallow 2015 NFL Draft quarterback class.

Major Programs Who Could Be Interested

Florida State: The Seminoles retain a lot of talent. There’s a major question at quarterback after Jameis Winston entered the draft and 2013 backup Jacob Coker left for Alabama. Winston should be the third-straight Jimbo Fisher QB taken in the 1st round of the NFL Draft.

LSU: The Tigers have had trouble developing QBs, but not using developed ones. Anthony Jennings, who completed fewer than 50 percent of his passes, is not the answer. Finding that answer, with a graduate transfer, would vault the Tigers into the playoff favorites.

Oregon: Losing Marcus Mariota will be a blow for the Ducks in 2015. An established senior, on paper, may make sense. Oregon has options on campus though. Fall practice may not be enough time to get a quarterback, even someone with Miller’s talent and experience, up to speed.

Texas: Tyrone Swoopes had a few excellent performances, sprinkled between the more frequent below average to downright terrible ones. The Longhorns should put out another strong defense under Strong. They have a lot coming back on offense. A credible quarterback could radically affect Texas’ outlook heading into 2014.

Michigan: The Wolverines have no proven option at quarterback. Jim Harbaugh is one of the best QB tutors in the sport. Miller and Golson aren’t options for rivalry reasons. But, if Hogan did want to transfer and showcase himself, Jim Harbaugh is the coach who recruited him to Stanford and the clear best man to do it.

[Photos via USAT]