The switch portal all the time has a method of unveiling a program’s true emotions about its roster. Spring observe reps additionally present quarterbacks with a greater understanding of the place they stand on the depth chart.
We’re within the closing phases of the spring portal window, a time when these two elements talked about come to a head. Whereas most Energy 4 colleges got here into the spring pretty settled at quarterback, there have been a number of applications with questions remaining on the place.
Let’s consider what this spring’s switch portal motion has advised us about some beforehand unsettled quarterback conditions.
Minnesota
Starter Max Brosmer exhausted his eligibility following final season, which left the Golden Gophers with two candidates for the beginning job — redshirt freshman Drake Lindsey and Georgia Tech switch Zach Pyron, who was signed throughout the winter portal window. Lindsey had a leg up as a result of he already had a season within the system, however he tried simply 5 passes in 2024.
Pyron was extra skilled. He appeared in 19 video games and tried 155 passes over three seasons at Georgia Tech, however he’s extraordinarily uncooked as a passer (56.8 profession completion proportion, 5 landing passes and 7 interceptions).
Nicely, the competitors didn’t final lengthy. Pyron entered the switch portal final week, and the Alabama native landed again in his house state at South Alabama.
Whereas Lindsey’s path to the beginning function appears fairly clear, Minnesota will transfer ahead with a reasonably inexperienced quarterback group until it provides a veteran.
Notre Dame
Steve Angeli, CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey have been concerned in a contest this spring to interchange departing starter Riley Leonard. Angeli was the backup the previous two seasons and performed effectively in a pinch throughout the Preventing Irish’s Orange Bowl win in opposition to Penn State.
However he should’ve seen the writing on the wall that he wasn’t going to win the beginning function as a result of he entered the switch portal final week, paving the way in which for a two-man race between Carr and Minchey. Each gamers are former four-star prospects, however each performed simply 4 snaps final season.
Notre Dame has began a switch quarterback in every of the previous two seasons. It’s off that carousel now and can roll with a fairly inexperienced starter irrespective of who wins the job. For what it’s price, Carr is the favourite to start out and impressed within the spring sport.
North Carolina
This was one of many extra compelling quarterback conditions within the nation, primarily due to the intrigue surrounding Invoice Belichick and his imaginative and prescient for this system.
Max Johnson opened final season because the starter however suffered a major leg harm within the first sport, so it’s tough to inform how he’ll bounce again. 4-star freshman Bryce Baker, a top-100 nationwide recruit, has promise. Purdue switch Ryan Browne spent a number of months with this system earlier than transferring again to play for the Boilermakers.
Not one of the choices have been tremendous tantalizing, and — with out saying it explicitly — the employees confirmed that by bringing in South Alabama switch Gio Lopez, who handed for two,559 yards, 18 touchdowns and 5 interceptions whereas speeding for 463 yards and 7 scores in 2024.
Lopez is skilled and the chief within the clubhouse for the beginning function. His arrival will enable the employees to convey Baker alongside slowly.
Lopez’s switch additionally opened the door for Pyron to land at South Alabama.
Excited and grateful, go Heels!🐏 @UNCFootball pic.twitter.com/1qpdXxsHXa
— Gio Lopez 7️⃣ (@lopezgio1) April 18, 2025
Syracuse
The Orange are one other program with an inexperienced quarterback group. LSU switch Rickie Collins appears to have a leg up, however redshirt freshman Jakhari Williams can also be within the combine. The 2 have mixed to throw seven passes of their faculty careers.
So it shouldn’t be stunning if Syracuse kicks the tires — on the very least — on quarterback choices this spring. On3 reported that Angeli visited this week, and Syracuse is within the combine for the Notre Dame switch.
Collins has a head begin within the offense, which Angeli must overcome, but when he does find yourself transferring to Syracuse, it’s clear that coach Fran Brown wished extra competitors on the quarterback place.
Tennessee
The Volunteers’ quarterback scenario was settled. After which hastily, it wasn’t when the Nico Iamaleava drama surfaced. Tennessee lower ties with Iamaleava, who transferred to UCLA.
The Vols had simply two scholarship quarterbacks after Iamaleava’s departure — redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and freshman George MacIntyre. Merklinger tried 9 passes final season. So the place was brief on our bodies and expertise.
Iamaleava’s switch to UCLA led to a shakeup on the Bruins’ roster. Appalachian State switch Joey Aguilar, who was UCLA’s projected starter, entered the portal Monday and the expectation is he’ll land at Tennessee. He’ll be by far probably the most skilled choice however must compete with gamers who’ve extra time within the system.
The Volunteers skilled their justifiable share of drama this spring however seem like on steady floor.
(Picture of Steve Angeli: Michael Reaves / Getty Pictures)
