While most rosters have been set at least for the remainder of winter and into spring practices, there is still so much that can change at the drop of a hat. College sports was flipped on its head by the inclusion of the NCAA Transfer portal, and every year across all sports, athletes find new homes in the middle of the semester with relative ease.
Today’s highlight transfer looks to be Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels who plans to enter the portal after multiple seasons at the helm for the Sun Devils. According to Sun Devil Source, part of the 247Sports network, Daniels is expected to enter the portal officially on Thursday.
Carson Breber of SunDevil Source wrote, “People close to Daniels have been in contact with other Power 5 schools in recent weeks, including other Pac-12 teams, in an effort to gauge his options prior to his entrance into the transfer portal.”
Daniels has been the starter for Arizona State. He announced in December that he planned to come back in 2022. While he hoped to return, the Sun Devils have been the subject of a significant NCAA review, resulting in both coordinators and multiple assistants leaving the program.
It’s a big deal for numerous college programs, but in the case of the Oklahoma Sooners, it marks an opportunity for them to add a veteran QB. With plenty of college experience, Daniels could come in and compete to provide an experienced back behind starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel.
With no seasoned depth on their quarterback depth chart, the Sooners should throw their name in the hat for the talented signal-caller that was once the number two dual-threat quarterback prospect in his recruiting class.
Oklahoma is playing with house money here if they decide to pursue him. They have no real ties to Daniels, but they can offer stability, a chance to compete to be the backup, and a football experience, unlike anything Arizona State provides. He’d be able to compete for a conference title and possibly College Football Playoff inclusion as well.
He is a true dual-threat on a playing level in that he can make plays with his arm and legs, but it’s still clear his passing has some work to do.
Daniels was dynamite his freshman year with 17 passing touchdowns to just two interceptions. He earned Pac-12 Freshman of the Year honors and followed up the COVID abbreviated season with another solid season, only throwing one pick.
This past season, something wasn’t right as he threw just 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. His feet helped him pick up 710 yards and six touchdowns, though. With that type of dual capability, Jeff Lebby could work with Daniels to help him consistently make plays with his arm. His transformation of Matt Corral to a potential first round pick is pretty solid evidence of this.
With no other options on the table, it would be in the Sooners’ best interest to reach out to Daniels to insert themselves into the race.
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