One former Oklahoma Sooner transfer quarterback listed among the top 10 since 2011

Over the last decade, many quarterbacks have taken advantage of college football’s transfer portal. Several signal-callers have not seen an ascension or forward-path at their original home, so they moved to another team that better propelled their careers toward a higher place in the NFL draft. The NCAA implemented the graduate transfer in 2006, and since Russell Wilson became one of the first, most prominent household name, to transfer, many have followed.

As the 2021 season approaches, ESPN ranked the 10 best graduate transfers in college football following Wilson in 2011 (requires subscription). Former Alabama and Oklahoma quarterback, Jalen Hurts landed on the list at No. 2.

Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma (2019)

Original School: Alabama (2016-18)

Hurts holds a unique place on the list because of the success and attention he received at his first college stop. He became the first true freshman quarterback to earn the starting job under coach Nick Saban, won SEC offensive player of the year honors in 2016 as Alabama went 13-1, and came within seconds of a national championship. Hurts set a single-season team record with 36 touchdowns accounted for and set an Alabama quarterback rushing record with 954 yards. Hurts started throughout the 2017 season, throwing only one interception and helping the Tide to the national title game, where he was famously replaced by Tua Tagovailoa at halftime. Alabama went on to win the championship and Hurts remained on the sidelines for the 2018 season, playing behind the record-setting Tagovailoa, before transferring to Oklahoma.

Hurts knew his time had come and gone at Alabama as the starter. After losing his job, it was only a matter of time. With Oklahoma’s resume at the QB position with both Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray winning the Heisman Trophy and becoming first overall draft selections under Lincoln Riley’s tutelage, the program had the most appeal. Hurts transferred, and as they say, the rest is history. He became the next prodigy of Riley’s in Norman. The dual-threat hung up the Crimson Tide jersey to sport a Sooners’ one.

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He commanded the huddle and became a Heisman Trophy runner-up. Hurts set an Oklahoma single-season record for rushing yards by a quarterback and points scored by a QB (126). His elusive mobility and effortless ability to create outside of the pocket mesmerized on Saturdays. The former four-star recruit became only the third FBS player to register 3,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards by the 11th game of the season. In addition, Hurts was one of two players nationally since 1996 to record 32-plus passing touchdowns and 18-plus rushing TD’s in a season. He thrived in OU’s RPO-centric offense and was a nightmare for defenses in man using his legs to extend drives.

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After Carson Wentz’s struggles down the stretch in 2020, Hurts took over the starting role. In a prove-it year this upcoming season, he has the chance to win the starting job for the Philadelphia Eagles and to become their franchise quarterback in the NFC East. He has the talent and right intangibles. Now it is about executing, developing and silencing the noise.