Breaking news: College football transfer portal: Ranking best available QBs

The NCAA transfer portal has become one of the most crucial aspects of modern college football. Players are no longer confined to staying at the schools they originally signed with, creating a dynamic and competitive landscape for coaches and fans alike. While the transfer portal allows for opportunities to find playing time at a new school, it also brings about massive turnover, especially at the quarterback position.

Quarterbacks, being the most important players on the field, are often the biggest draws in the transfer portal. With each new cycle of the portal, schools look for quarterbacks who can immediately step in and make a difference. Whether it’s for a program aiming for a national championship, a team looking to rebuild, or a quarterback who wants to be closer to home, the reasons behind portal moves vary. Regardless, a few quarterbacks stand out from the crowd in terms of skill, experience, and potential to elevate a program in need of a game-changer at the most important position on the field.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best available quarterbacks in the 2024 college football transfer portal, ranking them based on a combination of past performance, upside, and overall potential impact.

1. DJ Uiagalelei (Oregon State)

After transferring from Clemson, DJ Uiagalelei is arguably the top quarterback in the 2024 transfer portal. The 6’4″, 250-pound signal-caller was once considered one of the top quarterbacks in college football after taking over the starting job at Clemson as a freshman in 2020. Though his tenure with the Tigers had ups and downs, his decision to transfer to Oregon State proved to be a perfect fit.

At Oregon State, DJ had a standout season in 2023, leading the Beavers to an 11-win season and securing a spot in the New Year’s Six bowl game. He showcased his immense arm strength, ability to throw on the run, and a more controlled and patient approach to the position. His development at Oregon State elevated his stock, and he is now a highly coveted quarterback.

Why DJ Uiagalelei is ranked No. 1:

Proven at the highest level in college football with experience against elite competition.
Significant development at Oregon State showed a refined skill set and increased confidence.
Has the size and tools to be a potential starter in the NFL.
Proven winner with a strong arm, mobility, and leadership qualities.

A school looking for a veteran quarterback with elite talent could be in a prime position to land Uiagalelei, who could be a program-changing addition.

2. Hudson Card (Purdue)

Hudson Card, the former Texas Longhorns quarterback, is a highly rated prospect in the 2024 transfer portal after spending the 2023 season at Purdue. Card showed flashes of brilliance at Texas, including in his limited starting opportunities behind star quarterback Quinn Ewers. His decision to transfer to Purdue allowed him to be the starting signal-caller, and he didn’t disappoint, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 22 touchdowns in his lone season with the Boilermakers.

Card is a smooth, athletic quarterback with an impressive deep-ball accuracy and natural feel for the game. His mobility and quick release make him a dangerous threat both in the pocket and on the move, and his experience in a Power Five conference further solidifies his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the portal.

Why Hudson Card is ranked No. 2:

Solid starter at Texas and Purdue, with the ability to perform at a high level in Power Five football.
Strong arm and excellent deep-ball accuracy.
Good mobility and ability to extend plays with his legs.
Leadership qualities and experience that could immediately help any program.

Card’s combination of experience and upside make him one of the top options for teams looking to add a quarterback with starting experience and the potential for future growth.

3. Spencer Sanders (Ole Miss)

Spencer Sanders, the former Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback, made a notable transfer to Ole Miss in 2023, hoping to elevate his game in Lane Kiffin’s high-octane offense. Sanders had an impressive career at Oklahoma State, breaking numerous school records and leading the Cowboys to several successful seasons, including a Big 12 Championship appearance. His experience and high level of play in a tough conference make him one of the most experienced and polished quarterbacks available in the transfer portal.

Sanders struggled to consistently win the starting job at Ole Miss in 2023, as he dealt with competition from Jaxson Dart. However, his experience and dual-threat ability, combined with his time in one of the most competitive conferences in the country, make him a highly attractive option for teams looking for an experienced quarterback to lead them.

Why Spencer Sanders is ranked No. 3:

Plenty of experience in the Big 12, with multiple years of starting experience and high-level production.
Dual-threat quarterback with the ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs.
Proven ability to lead a team in big games and under pressure.
Ability to fit into various offensive systems, from run-heavy to pass-heavy offenses.

Although Sanders’ career at Ole Miss may have been a bit inconsistent, his body of work at Oklahoma State shows he has the skill set to thrive in the right system.

4. Sam Hartman (Notre Dame)

Sam Hartman, one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the 2024 transfer portal, is coming off a productive season at Notre Dame after transferring from Wake Forest. Hartman has had one of the more illustrious careers in college football, setting multiple records during his time at Wake Forest. He transferred to Notre Dame with high expectations, and while his numbers were a bit down in 2023, he still posted solid performances and demonstrated his ability to lead a team to success.

Hartman’s experience is unmatched, and his ability to make quick decisions, lead an offense, and take command of a huddle will make him a sought-after commodity for programs that need an immediate starter.

Why Sam Hartman is ranked No. 4:

5th-year senior with vast experience, including leading Wake Forest to one of its best seasons in school history.
Great decision-making and accuracy in the passing game.
Ability to lead with poise and maturity.
A strong competitor who can adapt to different offensive schemes.

Though Hartman may not have the highest ceiling of some of the younger quarterbacks, his leadership and experience make him a valuable addition to any program in need of a seasoned signal-caller.

5. Jayden Daniels (LSU)

Jayden Daniels, who played a key role in LSU’s resurgence as a national contender, has had a steady, impressive career that saw him lead the Tigers to the SEC Championship game in 2023. Daniels is one of the most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in the country, capable of making huge plays both in the air and on the ground. His mobility, arm strength, and ability to execute under pressure make him a nightmare for defenses to handle.

Daniels might have the best upside of anyone on this list due to his combination of athleticism and arm talent. Though he has been linked with several top programs in the transfer portal, his future looks incredibly bright, and any school that lands him could be looking at an instant game-changer.

Why Jayden Daniels is ranked No. 5:

Dual-threat quarterback with the ability to beat teams with both his arm and legs.
Instant game-changer who can make explosive plays at any moment.
Proven ability to lead a team in one of the toughest conferences in college football.
Great development under LSU’s coaching staff and high ceiling moving forward.

Daniels’ combination of raw athleticism and proven performance in one of the toughest conferences make him one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the transfer portal.

Honorable Mentions

While the top five quarterbacks in the transfer portal stand out for their talent and proven ability, there are several other quarterbacks worth mentioning who could make an impact at a new school:

Tyler Van Dyke (Miami): A highly talented quarterback who struggled at times in 2023 but still has the potential to be a game-changer. Van Dyke has been linked to multiple schools in need of a strong-armed quarterback.
KJ Jefferson (Arkansas): A powerful dual-threat quarterback who has led Arkansas for several years. His strong arm and ability to make plays with his legs will attract plenty of interest.
Bo Nix (Oregon): Another experienced signal-caller, Nix has improved significantly after transferring from Auburn to Oregon. His steady play could be a difference-maker for a team in need of a stable leader at quarterback.