After entering the transfer portal once again in December, Malachi Nelson has a new home. On Sunday, Nelson announced his commitment to UTEP. It will be the third different school in three seasons for Nelson, who spent 2023 at USC and this past year with Boise State.
After signing with the Trojans as a five-star recruit in the 2023 signing class, Nelson was seen as USC’s quarterback of the future. In his first season on campus, Nelson served as the Trojans’ third string quarterback behind Caleb Williams and Miller Moss. He appeared in one game and attempted just three passes, preserving his redshirt.
The expectation was that Nelson would compete with Moss for the starting job in 2024 following Williams’ departure. Instead, however, Nelson elected to enter the transfer portal. According to reports, Nelson did not want to have to compete for the job, and USC’s coaching staff was less than thrilled with his work ethic.
Nelson committed to Boise State. However, he lost the QB competition to Maddux Masden, who went on to lead the Broncos to the College Football Playoff. As Boise State’s backup this season, Nelson completed 12 of his 17 pass attempts for 128 yards and one interception.
Nelson left the team prior to their Fiesta Bowl matchup against Penn State. The Broncos lost the game 31-14, bringing their historic season to a close.