With the dust mostly settled on the 2024 transfer portal, there have been a few noteworthy Big Ten quarterback transfers. It’s a new age of college football and the transfer portal is right at the center. Last year, three of the four College Football Playoff teams were led by transfers. This year looks to be similar and the Big Ten was the landing spot for a number of top transfers.
According to 247Sports, five of the top 12 quarterback transfers landed in the recently expanded Big Ten.
Top Big Ten Quarterback Transfers for 2024
Julian Sayin: Ohio State (from Alabama)
Easily the least proven of all of the Big Ten quarterback transfers, Julian Sayin is lauded as the best at the position in the nation. Technically, Sayin could have been considered part of Ohio State’s 2024 recruiting class. In reality, Saying signed his Letter of Intent to go to Alabama on Early National Signing Day. When Nick Saban retired, Sayin was released from his LOI and transferred north to Ohio State.
In the 2024 recruiting cycle, Sayin is the 247Sports composite top quarterback in the class. He was scouted to be a poised, accurate passer with enough athleticism to make big plays. He was the Elite 11 MVP heading into his senior season and is considered the most “ready to play early” by 247Sports‘ scouts.
Aidan Chiles: Michigan State (from Oregon State)
With the uncertainty surrounding the future of Oregon State, there was a mass exodus, led by coach Jonathan Smith. Three Beavers followed their coach to Michigan State, including former four-star quarterback, Aidan Chiles. Three Spartan quarterbacks attempted more than three passes in 2023; they’ve all since transferred out with Chiles incoming.
Reports from Spring practices have been nothing but positive for Chiles. His new teammates gush about his presence and leadership in short time. As a true freshman at Oregon State, Chiles was able to show off his dual-threat abilities sparingly. In total, he accounted for 309 yards and four touchdowns while completing 24 of 35 passes. Chiles did not throw an interception, either. On the ground, he added 79 yards and three scores off of 17 rushes.
Dante Moore: Oregon (from UCLA)
The third of the Big Ten transfer quarterbacks is just as young as the previous two, Dante Moore. Moore elected to transfer in-conference to Oregon after just one year with the Bruins. After a year of no development, Moore went into the portal with the expressed intention of going to a situation to be developed into the elite-level quarterback he could be.
In nine games as a true freshman, Moore accounted for 1,610 yards and 11 touchdowns. At the same time, he threw nine interceptions and only completed 53.5% of his passes. Despite the fact that Oregon had earned the commitment of another top transfer quarterback, Moore made the move that he thought set him up best for the future.
Will Howard: Ohio State (from Kansas State)
The presumed starter for the Buckeyes in the fall, Will Howard saw an opportunity in Columbus. Over the last four years, Howard quarterbacked the Kansas State Wildcats in 34 games and led his team to a Big 12 title in 2022. He’s coming off his best season in 2023. He amassed 2,643 yards and 24 touchdowns through the air. He also provides Ohio State with a capable rushing ability, something they’ve been lacking. Last year, he ran for 351 yards and nine touchdowns off of 81 carries.
With the supporting cast that he has, Howard could end up with the best statistical year among these five. There are already Heisman conversations happening. In reality, Howard can game-manage his way to a title.
Dillon Gabriel: Oregon (from Oklahoma)
Finally, the elder statesman of the Big Ten transfer quarterbacks. Dillon Gabriel has been around the block a few times. Oregon is actually his third school after UCF and Oklahoma. With UCF, Gabriel put up ridiculous numbers. In his first two seasons, he threw for 7,223 yards and 61 touchdowns. Then, his 2021 season was cut short after three games due to injury and he elected to make the move to Oklahoma.
As a Sooner, Gabriel had similar success. In total, he threw for 6,828 yards and 55 touchdowns in his two seasons. He brings an impressive pedigree with him to Oregon and will be a valuable veteran presence to a team that is expected to contend for not only the Big Ten but for the College Football Playoff.
