The transfer portal has led many around college football to discuss this new era of “free agency” that is upon us. While some may bemoan the idea, the facts are simple: It’s here to stay, so get on board or get left at the station. With that said, it is harder than ever to maintain depth across an entire team, but it’s hard to argue that the biggest position affected is quarterback. So, let’s take a look at the top five transfer portal quarterbacks on the market.
Top Transfer Portal Quarterbacks in 2021 | 1-3
The list is dominated at the top by two QBs hailing from the state of Texas.
1a) Casey Thompson
The heir apparent to Longhorn legend Sam Ehlinger threw his name in the portal following the announcement of Quinn Ewers’ commitment to Texas. Casey Thompson showed flashes of what got Longhorn fans excited with his performance against Texas Tech in his second start of the season (300 yards and 5 touchdowns). Unfortunately, despite all the physical attributes to be a quality starter, Thompson wasn’t able to put it all together. He never wrote his legacy as the QB who brought Texas “back.”
With the raw tools and experience he provides, it will be intriguing to see him in an offense built to his strengths. Does Thompson replace another mobile but turnover-prone quarterback at Nebraska? Does he head back a bit closer to home to be a part of the rebuild at TCU? Wherever he ends up, Thompson can make plays and will be fun to watch.
1b) Cameron Ward
Is this Bailey Zappe 2.0? To be clear, Zappe’s 2021 season was truly remarkable, but we are here to talk about Mr. Cameron Ward. From the quick release to the low interception totals, Ward is a true Air Raid quarterback that would make Mike Leach proud.
He showed an incredible ability to dissect whichever defense lined up against him, with his most notable performance coming in his final game as a UIW Cardinal.
Ward threw for almost 500 yards and 5 TDs before ultimately coming up inches short of an upset of the defending FCS National Champions. The biggest question remaining for Ward is how he will play against FBS competition. He has only played in one game against an FBS team in his career. And that was against a Texas State team that finished 4-8 in the Sun Belt.
Ward still has three years of eligibility, so we could see some record-breaking seasons if he ends up in the right offense. As for where he will break the records, that is up in the air. Places like Ole Miss, Washington State, and Texas Tech all jump to the top of the list based on their scheme and lack of a cemented starter on the roster.
3) Kedon Slovis
Kedon Slovis’ career arc has mirrored that of a win probability graph in a tumultuous Tuesday night MAC game. From third-stringer to starter. From Heisman candidate to getting (dare we say it) Slovis’d out of his starting job. He has been through his fair share of ups and downs. Two things stand true when watching his film — the kid can sling it, but he just isn’t quite sure who will catch it.
Slovis will need to reduce his turnovers wherever he goes. But in the right offense, he just might be able to sneak back into that Heisman conversation. It would not be crazy to think of Slovis donning those blue and yellow Pittsburgh uniforms and replacing five-year starter Kenny Pickett. Nebraska would be an interesting landing spot as well now that Pickett’s former offensive coordinator (Mark Whipple) is running the offense in Lincoln.
Top Transfer Portal Quarterbacks in 2021 | 4-5
Who rounds out our top-five list of the best quarterbacks currently in the transfer portal?
4) Zach Calzada
The Cuban Missile launches into the transfer portal after becoming an Aggie hero. After springing into action against a bad Colorado State team and causing the alarm bells to sound in College Station, Calzada was able to endear himself to Aggie fans with his toughness and knack for the big moment.
His game on that fateful Saturday night against Alabama showed everything you needed to see.
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However, staying on the field became his problem. Wherever Calzada lands, they’ll be getting a young man who will leave it all on the field. One just has to wonder how much of him is left on the field in College Station.
So, where does Calzada land? His landing spot is tricky because he doesn’t have a specific scheme fit (see Cameron Ward). The crystal ball here is a little fuzzy. Nevertheless, places like Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, or North Carolina could all use Calzada in their colors next year.
5) Braxton Burmeister
If the transfer portal had a members club like most airlines offer, Burmeister would be a prime member. As he looks for the third school of his career, it’s apparent why schools bring him in. It’s also why he ends up back in this spot. The 2021 season was by far his most productive. But he still closed the year with only 13 touchdown passes in 12 starts.
It’s clear that Burmeister needs to be in an offense that allows him to utilize his athleticism because his arm by itself will not win enough games (ask Justin Fuente about that). It is hard not to see similarities between Burmeister and Bo Nix. Yet, unlike Nix, it’s unclear if Burmeister will get another shot at a Power Five program. Burmeister most likely will land at a Group of Five school looking to make a run like UTSA did this fall.
