Pete Thamel updates latest on Kyle McCord, Riley Leonard, DJ Uiagalelei
There are several big-time quarterbacks who are still in the transfer portal, including Kyle McCord from Ohio State, Riley Leonard from Duke and DJ Uiagalelei from Clemson/Oregon State.
ESPN insider Pete Thamel appeared on “Monday Blitz” Monday afternoon and shared the latest on where things stand with those three.
Thamel started with Kyle McCord, who is currently on a visit to Nebraska.
“Kyle McCord is one of the biggest names in the portal after going 11-1 as a starter at Ohio State this year. He is at Nebraska for a visit early this week, and the Cornhuskers are the favorite to retain McCord’s services,” Thamel said. “McCord had been looking at Mississippi State. That spot got filled last week by Blake Shapen, the Baylor transfer. So for right now, seems there’s mutual interest between McCord and Nebraska. The Huskers struggled on offense last year as they went 5-7.”
McCord passed for 3,170 yards and 24 touchdowns, with six interceptions in 2023. McCord is ranked as the No. 7 quarterback in the On3 transfer portal industry rankings.
As for Riley Leonard, Notre Dame has been the school to watch with him since he entered the portal and that remains the case.
“He led the Blue Devils to a 9-4 season two years ago, and he led them to their highest AP ranking this year since the mid-90s,” Thamel said. “He took a visit to Notre Dame late last week. There’s no other visits scheduled. Notre Dame has been the favorite for Leonard since the moment he entered the portal. And it looks like that could come together in the near future.”
Leonard battled injuries this past season but passed for 1,102 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. He also rushed for 352 yards and four scores.
Finally, Thamel shared the latest on DJ Uiagalelei. The former Oregon State and Clemson QB is in the portal for the second time.
“As for DJ Uiagalelei, the former Clemson quarterback, who had a successful season at Oregon State in 2023, he’s out there right now waiting to see a little bit what Cam Ward does,” Thamel said. “Cam Ward, the Washington State quarterback, has multiple visits at high-profile places this week. He’s gonna set the rest of the market. Florida State remains a big suitor for DJU.”
Uiagalelei passed for 2,638 yards and 21 touchdowns this past season. He also rushed for 219 yards and six scores. The California native is a former five-star recruit. He has had an up-and-down college career to this point but is looking to finish on a high note.