Texas’ quarterback room took a shot when Ja’Quinden Jackson announced he would be transferring out of the program. The former four-star quarterback was listed as the fourth quarterback on the depth chart when the season began.
Jackson announced he would be transferring to Utah via Twitter early Sunday morning. He makes the second former Longhorns quarterback who changed allegiances to the Utes during the Tom Herman era. Cameron Rising was the first to do so in 2018.
Coming out of high school, Jackson was the No. 3 dual-threat quarterback in the country per the 247Sports composite and a top 10 player within the state of Texas. Jackson came out of Duncanville High School, one of the top programs in the country. He was also recovering from a knee injury suffered in late December at the 6A-DI semifinals.
With Sam Ehlinger more than likely off to the NFL, Jackson would have had to compete with Casey Thompson, Hudson Card, and Charles Wright to be the starting quarterback next season. With him likely being the third favorite to win the job in Austin, Jackson will likely have an easier competition in Salt Lake City for the 2021 season.
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NEW BEGINNINGS 🙏🏽 #LLTHEGUYS💔 #JaayMoveMent🐐 #TEXASTAKEOVER😈 pic.twitter.com/B27UWroU0b
— Ja'Quinden Jackson (@JaayUpNext_) December 20, 2020
Texas’ quarterback room is down to three players with Roschon Johson as an alternative option. While he is focusing on running back full time, Card and Thompson are the two names most likely to battle it out to be the heir to the throne.
Assuming he wins the starting job, Jackson will have the opportunity to face Big 12 competition in 2023 and 2024. Baylor and Utah will have a home and home series, beginning in Waco.