Here are ten of the most important quarterback transfers to keep an eye on this season.
1. Carson Beck – from Georgia to Miami
Carson Beck was once a top NFL draft prospect, but after an elbow injury and a down year in 2024, he’s hoping to revive his career at Miami. If he can return to the form he showed in 2023, Miami might become a real playoff contender.
2. Thomas Castellanos – from Boston College to Florida State
Castellanos made headlines this offseason by talking confidently about Florida State’s chances against Alabama in Week 1. After losing his starting job at BC, he’s now in Tallahassee hoping to bring new life to a program that struggled last year.
3. Mark Gronowski – from South Dakota State to Iowa
Gronowski was one of the best quarterbacks at the FCS level. Now he’s moving to Iowa, hoping to improve an offense that has struggled in recent years. He can throw and run, and if he adjusts well, Iowa could surprise people.
4. Nico Iamaleava – from Tennessee to UCLA
Iamaleava left Tennessee in the spring after an NIL issue and moved back to California to join UCLA. Although his first season as a starter had its ups and downs, he’s still full of potential and will be given the keys to UCLA’s offense.
5. John Mateer – from Washington State to Oklahoma
Mateer had 29 touchdown passes and 15 rushing scores last season, and now he joins an Oklahoma team that needs a spark on offense. His old offensive coordinator is now at OU, which could help him adjust quickly.
6. Fernando Mendoza – from Cal to Indiana
Mendoza was solid for Cal last season, throwing for over 3,000 yards. He joins an Indiana team that made the College Football Playoff last year. With a strong supporting cast, Mendoza could have a breakout season.
7. Darian Mensah – from Tulane to Duke
Mensah was efficient and consistent at Tulane and now steps into a Power Five role at Duke. With a new coaching staff in place, he could become a key piece in their rebuilding efforts.
8. Miller Moss – from USC to Louisville
After a huge bowl game at the end of 2023, Moss struggled in 2024 and eventually lost his starting job. Now at Louisville, he gets another chance to prove himself in a quarterback-friendly system.
9. Kaidon Salter – from Liberty to Colorado
Salter had an outstanding 2023 season but regressed last year. He’ll compete for the starting job at Colorado under Coach Deion Sanders. If he wins the job, he brings big-play ability with both his arm and legs.
10. Conner Weigman – from Texas A&M to Houston
Injuries have limited Weigman’s playing time, but he’s shown flashes of top-tier talent. At Houston, he should have a clear path to the starting job and an opportunity to lead a team that’s trying to bounce back from a tough season.
Other Notable Transfers:
Devon Dampier (New Mexico to Utah), Preston Stone (SMU to Northwestern), Joey Aguilar (App State to Tennessee), Jackson Arnold (Oklahoma to Auburn), Steve Angeli (Notre Dame to Syracuse), Devin Brown (Ohio State to Cal)
Final Thoughts:
The quarterback position is always the most important on the field, and these transfers could shape the entire college football season. Some are looking for redemption. Others are chasing a dream. Either way, expect fireworks this fall.