Texas isn't in the QB transfer market, but it's affecting the Longhorns' 2024 schedule

The specific dates for conference games on Texas’ 2024 schedule, the program’s first as a member of the Southeastern Conference, have not yet been released. But the eight opponents are known, and all eight have had their quarterback situation affected by the transfer portal.

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Georgia, Arkansas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi State, and Vanderbilt are the SEC teams on the docket for 2024. Some of those teams are seeking a transfer to come in and start under center while other have already seen members of the room transfer out.

Florida

Incumbent starter Graham Mertz recently announced his intention to return to the Gators for the 2024 season, but the transfer portal’s effect on Billy Napier’s program was still felt in the quarterback room. Max Brown, who played in six games and started in Mertz’s place versus Florida State, entered the portal earlier this week. He was 19-for-28 for 192 yards and an interception this year.

Florida has a commitment from Five-Star Plus+ quarterback DJ Lagway, who has remained solid to the Gators despite their struggles in Napier’s second season. Lagway will likely contend for the backup spot if not the starter’s role upon his arrival in Gainesville.

Georgia

Kirby Smart’s program saw Brock Vandagriff depart Athens for Kentucky earlier this week, but they could become a buyer in the portal depending on Carson Beck’s decision.

Per On3’s DawgsHQ, Beck is likely to stay at Georgia for another season rather than head to the NFL. If something were to change, the Dawgs could become one of the biggest players in the quarterback market.

Arkansas

Longtime Razorback QB KJ Jefferson’s portal status is unclear. There was a report out that said Jefferson intended to enter the portal, however Jefferson himself said on November 29 he hadn’t yet made a decision.

As of publication time, Jefferson has not entered the portal. If he were to do so, Sam Pittman and new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino could look to the transfer market to add to the Razorback QB room and provide competition for Jacolby Criswell.

Texas A&M

The Aggies already saw Max Johnson leave for North Carolina, and more movement for new Texas A&M offensive coordinator Collin Klein’s quarterback room is a possibility. Klein’s former K-State quarterback Will Howard is in the portal and could be someone A&M pursues, even with Connor Weigman on the roster. Whether the portal adds another quarterback or subtracts yet another player from Mike Elko’s roster remains to be seen.

Oklahoma

Brent Venables is ready to start the Jackson Arnold era in Norman. The former top-10 overall prospect was handed the keys to the offense after Dillon Gabriel announced his intention to enter the portal. Arnold was 18-for-24 for 202 yards and two touchdowns this year, including a BYU game where his services were needed after Gabriel was knocked out of the contest.

Oklahoma currently has Frisco (Texas) Emerson QB Michael Hawkins committed in the 2024 class. Any other portal additions for the Sooners would likely be for depth as opposed to competition for Arnold.

Kentucky

The Wildcats saw Kaiya Sheron and Destin Wade enter the portal this past week, creating an immediate need in Lexington for Liam Cohen and Mark Stoops after Devin Leary exhausted his eligibility in blue and white. Kentucky quickly filled that need with Georgia transfer Brock Vandagriff.

In his three years at UGA, Vandagriff was 12-for-21 for 165 yards with 2 touchdowns. As a recruit, he was the No. 22 overall prospect, the No. 4 quarterback, and the No. 2 player in Georgia in the On3 Industry Ranking.

Mississippi State

Will Rogers heads out of Starkville just as Jeff Lebby takes over as Bulldogs head coach. Lebby is in pursuit of Gabriel, as are many other teams, considering he’ll need an addition out of the portal for his first year as a head coach.

Lebby could be in line for a commitment in the 2024 class from Michael Van Buren, according to Maroon and White Daily. If Gabriel doesn’t follow Lebby to the SEC, the Bulldogs are still highly likely to seek out a transfer in the current cycle.

Vanderbilt

The Commodores’ quarterback room was pillaged by the portal. Walter Taylor, AJ Swann, and Ken Seals decided to look for other destinations. Returns to Clark Lea’s program could be an option for those three, but Vanderbilt will need a new signal-caller should none of them return for 2024.

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Non-conference

Colorado State

The Rams appear likely to return redshirt freshman Brayden Folwer-Nicolosi for when CSU heads to Austin next season.

Michigan

JJ McCarthy is listed as a junior and could return for his senior season. He could also declare early, something that tracks considering the Wolverines are in the conversation for UCLA’s Dante Moore.

UTSA

Frank Harris is finally out of eligibility, and Jeff Traylor will need to start a new era at quarterback. He could turn to junior-to-be Eddie Lee Marburger or Colorado transfer Owen McCown, who was 18-for-20 for 170 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception versus Tennessee.

ULM

Starter Jiya Wright is not currently in the transfer portal but his roster page on the ULM athletic department website leads to a 404, which can be a leading indicator of a departure. Wright played in 12 games this season but traded some time with freshman Blake Murphy.

New head coach Bryant Vincent may elect to bring in fresh blood to Monroe.