High school QBs face new reality as transfers dominate starting jobs at the top of college football

Quarterback recruiting is being reshaped by the growing availability of experienced transfers. Ryan Hopkins, a former three-star recruit from Mater Dei in Santa Ana, California, said he felt “at home” during a Wisconsin visit, though the process came with a new reality: about 65% of FBS starting quarterbacks this season previously transferred. Trent Dilfer, a former first-round pick and Ravens Super Bowl starter, noted that with the NCAA eliminating the mandatory year-in-residence requirement for 2021-22, colleges no longer need to develop a freshman quarterback slowly—they can recruit a proven option. Wisconsin is in its fourth straight season starting a transfer. Hopkins competed this summer against Louisville transfer Deuce Adams for the backup role behind Old Dominion transfer Colton Joseph. Jedd Fisch, of Washington, said recruits now must “earn it” and accept smaller early roles, with top prospects frequently moving schools after signing.