Latest news with #transferportal
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Several ACC teams have turned to the transfer portal for high-level QBs in 2025
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carson Beck transferred from Georgia to Miami because he viewed himself as a great fit in the Hurricanes' explosive offensive scheme. Miller Moss left USC for Louisville after learning of coach Jeff Brohm's history of developing transfer quarterbacks. And Tommy Castellanos moved on from Boston College to Florida State for a crack at beating national power Alabama in the season opener. And then there's Gio Lopez, who wouldn't mind becoming Bill Belichick's next Tom Brady at North Carolina. In all, eight of the top 25 quarterbacks in 247Sports' transfer-portal rankings landed in the Atlantic Coast Conference. By comparison, the Southeastern Conference has six of those top-level transfer QBs, while the Big Ten has four and the Big 12 three. It's why the ACC has spent this week touting itself as the 'conference of quarterbacks' while pointing to being the only league with at least one QB drafted in the first round of six different drafts since 2018. Each QB has his own story and reasons for leaving for greener pastures — and no doubt about it, NIL money certainly played a huge factor — but each comes with aspirations of replicating what Miami transfer Cam Ward accomplished last season. Ward left Washington State for the Hurricanes and in one season developed into the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, securing a fully guaranteed $48.7 million contract with the Tennessee Titans. Beck, who was the No. 2-ranked QB in the transfer portal behind only former Tennessee product Nico Iamaleava at UCLA, left Athens despite going 24-3 as a starter for the Bulldogs. He called it a 'very difficult decision,' but said it's one that has worked out well so far leaving him excited about the future. 'What Cam was able to do is undeniable,' said Beck, who added that he's fully recovered from an elbow injury he sustained in last year's SEC championship game. 'The last school I was at, I followed up the two-time national champion, so I didn't really feel any pressure there. It's a game; I've played football my whole life. I've played quarterback since I was 7 years old. I've got a lot of good talent around me and really good coaches in position to be really successful.' Miami coach Mario Cristobal couldn't resist the temptation of adding such a proven commodity, saying 'everything' drew him to recruiting Beck. 'He's played in monster games and he's played at a high level,' Cristobal said. 'He is ultra competitive, and his football IQ is off the charts. It didn't take long to realize that he's a team player, and that his work ethic is also through the roof.' Moss threw for 2,555 yards and 18 touchdowns last season for the Trojans, but needed a change of scenery and couldn't wait for the opportunity to work with Brohm, who's viewed by many as a quarterback whisperer for his efforts in developing the likes of Aidan O'Connell, Tyler Shough and Jack Plummer. 'Obviously different coaches try to sell you on different things, but when there's consistent proof of your ability to do something, that kind of transcends any words you hear in a meeting,' Moss said of Brohm's history. Castellanos hasn't played a snap at Florida State but has already created a stir nationally when he told On3 that he doesn't believe Alabama can stop him in the Aug. 30 season opener — in part because the Crimson Tide no longer have Nick Saban running the show. He didn't back down from those comments on Wednesday at the ACC media days. 'We stand on what I said,' said Castellanos, who'll look to lead the Seminoles back to national prominence following a miserable 2-10 season. 'But there's no disrespect between that team or anything like that. It's just the confidence that I have in my teammates and the way we've been preparing and putting this preparation together this offseason. I just feel confident in the guys and the work that we've been putting in.' Among the other QB newcomers in the ACC include Cal's Jaron Sagapolutele, who was ranked fifth in transfer portal after his decision to leave perennial West coast power Oregon. Duke landed a key transfer in Tulane's Darian Mensah and Syracuse coach Fran Brown signed a pair of big-school transfers in LSU's Rickie Collins and Notre Dame's Steve Angeli. Collins is projected to start and attended the league's preseason media days on Wednesday, and will look to build on Kyle McCord's success last season after McCord — himself a transfer from Ohio State — threw for a national-best 4,779 yards for the Orange. The ACC has some highly-touted returning quarterbacks as well, most notably 4,000-yard passer Cade Klubnik at Clemson and the versatile Kevin Jennings at SMU. Both led their teams to the ACC title game and College Football Playoff berths last season. Georgia Tech's Haynes King transferred from Texas A&M after the 2022 season, said he never entertained the idea of leaving despite two successful seasons with the Yellow Jackets in which he's thrown for nearly 5,000 yards and combined for 68 TDs. 'I feel like we have a great opportunity this year to win some championships,' King said. 'The people in the building, I trust them, they're all wired the same, and they want to do things the right way and I'm not one to jump ship like I've said before. 'I've helped build this and rebuild it, and I want to see it through. I want to be part of it,' King added. ___ AP college football: and
Associated Press
an hour ago
- Sport
- Associated Press
Several ACC teams have turned to the transfer portal for high-level QBs in 2025
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carson Beck transferred from Georgia to Miami because he viewed himself as a great fit in the Hurricanes' explosive offensive scheme. Miller Moss left USC for Louisville after learning of coach Jeff Brohm's history of developing transfer quarterbacks. And Tommy Castellanos moved on from Boston College to Florida State for a crack at beating national power Alabama in the season opener. And then there's Gio Lopez, who wouldn't mind becoming Bill Belichick's next Tom Brady at North Carolina. In all, eight of the top 25 quarterbacks in 247Sports' transfer-portal rankings landed in the Atlantic Coast Conference. By comparison, the Southeastern Conference has six of those top-level transfer QBs, while the Big Ten has four and the Big 12 three. It's why the ACC has spent this week touting itself as the 'conference of quarterbacks' while pointing to being the only league with at least one QB drafted in the first round of six different drafts since 2018. Each QB has his own story and reasons for leaving for greener pastures — and no doubt about it, NIL money certainly played a huge factor — but each comes with aspirations of replicating what Miami transfer Cam Ward accomplished last season. Ward left Washington State for the Hurricanes and in one season developed into the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, securing a fully guaranteed $48.7 million contract with the Tennessee Titans. Beck, who was the No. 2-ranked QB in the transfer portal behind only former Tennessee product Nico Iamaleava at UCLA, left Athens despite going 24-3 as a starter for the Bulldogs. He called it a 'very difficult decision,' but said it's one that has worked out well so far leaving him excited about the future. 'What Cam was able to do is undeniable,' said Beck, who added that he's fully recovered from an elbow injury he sustained in last year's SEC championship game. 'The last school I was at, I followed up the two-time national champion, so I didn't really feel any pressure there. It's a game; I've played football my whole life. I've played quarterback since I was 7 years old. I've got a lot of good talent around me and really good coaches in position to be really successful.' Miami coach Mario Cristobal couldn't resist the temptation of adding such a proven commodity, saying 'everything' drew him to recruiting Beck. 'He's played in monster games and he's played at a high level,' Cristobal said. 'He is ultra competitive, and his football IQ is off the charts. It didn't take long to realize that he's a team player, and that his work ethic is also through the roof.' Moss threw for 2,555 yards and 18 touchdowns last season for the Trojans, but needed a change of scenery and couldn't wait for the opportunity to work with Brohm, who's viewed by many as a quarterback whisperer for his efforts in developing the likes of Aidan O'Connell, Tyler Shough and Jack Plummer. 'Obviously different coaches try to sell you on different things, but when there's consistent proof of your ability to do something, that kind of transcends any words you hear in a meeting,' Moss said of Brohm's history. Castellanos hasn't played a snap at Florida State but has already created a stir nationally when he told On3 that he doesn't believe Alabama can stop him in the Aug. 30 season opener — in part because the Crimson Tide no longer have Nick Saban running the show. He didn't back down from those comments on Wednesday at the ACC media days. 'We stand on what I said,' said Castellanos, who'll look to lead the Seminoles back to national prominence following a miserable 2-10 season. 'But there's no disrespect between that team or anything like that. It's just the confidence that I have in my teammates and the way we've been preparing and putting this preparation together this offseason. I just feel confident in the guys and the work that we've been putting in.' Among the other QB newcomers in the ACC include Cal's Jaron Sagapolutele, who was ranked fifth in transfer portal after his decision to leave perennial West coast power Oregon. Duke landed a key transfer in Tulane's Darian Mensah and Syracuse coach Fran Brown signed a pair of big-school transfers in LSU's Rickie Collins and Notre Dame's Steve Angeli. Collins is projected to start and attended the league's preseason media days on Wednesday, and will look to build on Kyle McCord's success last season after McCord — himself a transfer from Ohio State — threw for a national-best 4,779 yards for the Orange. The ACC has some highly-touted returning quarterbacks as well, most notably 4,000-yard passer Cade Klubnik at Clemson and the versatile Kevin Jennings at SMU. Both led their teams to the ACC title game and College Football Playoff berths last season. Georgia Tech's Haynes King transferred from Texas A&M after the 2022 season, said he never entertained the idea of leaving despite two successful seasons with the Yellow Jackets in which he's thrown for nearly 5,000 yards and combined for 68 TDs. 'I feel like we have a great opportunity this year to win some championships,' King said. 'The people in the building, I trust them, they're all wired the same, and they want to do things the right way and I'm not one to jump ship like I've said before. 'I've helped build this and rebuild it, and I want to see it through. I want to be part of it,' King added. ___ AP college football: and
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Longhorns OF is impressing in the Cape Cod League
During the offseason, the Texas Longhorns' roster has undergone significant changes. They have been busy in the transfer portal, adding some of the best talent available, including outfielder Aiden Robbins. As the Seton Hall product prepares for his first season as a Longhorn, he has been busy impressing scouts in the Cape Cod League. Through 15 games for Harwich, Robbins has posted a .321 batting average while driving in six runs. He has also shown some power with four home runs and three doubles. In his second taste of Cape Cod League baseball, Robbins has been a hits machine and shown great plate discipline. While Robbins has made headlines with his bat, his success comes as no surprise. In 440 collegiate plate appearances, the Pennsylvania native has posted a .369 batting average. He has also been a threat on the base paths with 30 stolen bases. That includes a career-high 20 with Seton High during the 2025 campaign. Over the last few weeks, Robbins has showcased the skills that made him a popular player in the portal. He can hit a baseball out of the ballpark in a hurry if a pitcher makes a mistake. With his speed, Robbins is a threat to swipe extra bass when he reaches. Those are traits that would be welcomed in any offense. Due to his play, Robbins was named a Cape Cod League All-Star. He made the most of his appearance with a home run as the East Division cruised to a win. That is something Texas fans should get used to, as Robbins is expected to be an important part of the offense. Although his Longhorns debut is still months away, excitement has been building over what Robbins will accomplish in Texas when the 2026 campaign begins. This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Aiden Robbins is making the most of his time in the Cape Cod League
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
'A little underwhelmed when I saw him live' - Coaches give honest opinions on UCLA's Nico Iamaleava and Tennessee's Joey Aguilar
'A little underwhelmed when I saw him live' - Coaches give honest opinions on UCLA's Nico Iamaleava and Tennessee's Joey Aguilar originally appeared on A to Z Sports. There will be plenty of eyes on UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava and Tennessee Vols quarterback Joey Aguilar this fall. Advertisement Iamaleava spent the first two seasons of his career at Tennessee before surprisingly transferring to UCLA in April. Aguilar, meanwhile, was set to be the starting quarterback at UCLA in 2025 (after spending the last two seasons at Appalachian State) before Iamaleava's arrival essentially pushed him out of that role. Instead of sticking around at UCLA to serve as a backup, Aguilar transferred to Tennessee where he'll compete with redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and true freshman George MacIntyre for the starting quarterback job. The Athletic recently spoke to various coaches and personnel staffers about each quarterback in college football. Advertisement Those anonymous coaches and personnel staffers shared some honest opinions on Iamaleava and Aguilar. "Extremely athletic, a better runner than people give him credit for," said an SEC assistant coach about Iamaleava. "Cannon for an arm, accurate, capable of making every throw." 'If he can put it all together, he ain't far away from being elite,' added a coach who faced Iamaleava last season. 'He's got all the tools and talent, but I was a little underwhelmed when I saw him live.' Advertisement "He's got a cannon, so that will fit that offense perfectly with how many deep shots they take," said a former G5 recruiting director about Aguilar. "And he's a better runner than you think." We'll see how things pan out for both players this fall. There will certainly be plenty of intrigue surrounding each quarterback throughout the 2025 season. Related: Arch Manning responds to question about 'the real UT' and arguing with Peyton Manning about Texas vs Tennessee View the original article to see embedded media. This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Jul 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Carson Beck calls decision to leave Georgia ‘very difficult' but says Miami is the right fit
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carson Beck planned to leave Georgia only for the NFL Draft. The transfer portal was never an option, and it wouldn't have been if he hadn't injured his right (throwing) elbow in December's SEC Championship Game. But, Beck said Tuesday, the injury forced his hand, sending him from one marquee program to another, Miami. Advertisement 'I made the decision to come here, and I feel like it's worked out pretty well so far,' Beck said during ACC football media days in one of his first public appearances since joining the Hurricanes in January. Beck said the decision to leave Georgia was 'very difficult,' but five years is a long time to stay in one place and the NFL wasn't the right option. Though his exit wasn't ideal, it could have been worse. Beck injured his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in the first half against Texas. Neither he nor Georgia's staff knew how bad it was at first. That's why he reentered the game briefly after his replacement, Gunner Stockton, got his helmet knocked off in overtime. Beck, fortunately, still had his helmet on the sidelines. He took a few practice snaps and felt comfortable enough to reenter in the emergency situation. Beck asked his teammates if they could end the game as quickly as possible, just in case. With his right arm frozen, Beck short-armed a handoff to Trevor Etienne, who scored on a 4-yard run. 'People are like, jumping on me and stuff,' Beck said. 'Yo, chill. I'm injured. That was a really cool moment, I think, to be my last play for Georgia and not (have) the injury be my last play.' As Beck considered his next stop, he said he was quickly impressed by the culture coach Mario Cristobal has instilled at Miami, which was a College Football Playoff contender into November last year. The demeanor of the staff matched his own, and the talent level is good enough for Miami to contend in the ACC. Beck is also a good fit for offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson's balanced attack, which helped another transfer, Cam Ward, develop into the No. 1 overall pick. 'It's just that freedom aspect and the trust that coach Dawson had in him,' Beck said. 'Ultimately, I hope that I can earn the same trust from coach Dawson, as well, through fall camp and then ultimately getting into games and making good decisions and being efficient.' Advertisement The Hurricanes didn't need much convincing to add Beck. Cristobal said 'everything' drew them to a veteran who went 24-3 as Georgia's starter. 'He's played in monster games, and he's played at a high level,' Cristobal said. 'He is ultra competitive, and his football IQ is off the charts. It didn't take long to realize that he's a team player, and that his work ethic is also through the roof.' Beck was limited in what he could do and show during spring practice as he recovered from elbow surgery. He said the time on the sideline forced him to study the playbook like a coach, potentially boosting his development. When Beck was fully cleared to throw in April, he still felt tentative. 'The last time that I had thrown a football,' Beck said, 'my elbow literally ripped.' During a workout in his hometown of Jacksonville, a trainer told him to let a throw rip. Beck did, and it spun out perfectly. 'I was like, 'OK, I'm good,'' Beck said. 'From that moment on, it was almost, like, compounding and got significantly better from there.'
