JT Daniels transferring: 5 possible landing spots for the QB
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (BVM) – JT Daniels, one of the top quarterbacks in the Class of 2018 recruiting class, is looking for yet another home. The redshirt junior signal caller, who played for the West Virginia Mountaineers during the 2022-23 season, entered the transfer portal on Dec. 6 and will be looking for his fourth home in his six-year college football career.
Sources: West Virginia QB JT Daniels intends to enter the NCAA transfer portal. He'll have at least one year of eligibility, and it could two years depending on whether he could get a medical redshirt for 2019. He's been the quarterback at USC and Georgia prior to WVU.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 6, 2022
As a former five-star recruit rated just behind NFL star quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields in the Class of 2018, Daniels is certainly not without talent. He has also shown his skills off at each of his collegiate stops.
During his true freshman year at USC, Daniels threw for 2,672 yards, 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 11 starts. Daniels redshirted his sophomore year after a knee injury in the 2019 season opener and he decided to transfer to Georgia for the 2020 season.
That year, Daniels threw for 1,231 yards, 10 touchdowns and just two interceptions in four starts, going 4-0. The next year, Daniels began the season as the starting quarterback, going 3-0 in his three starts, but ultimately lost his job to Stetson Bennett due to injury. He wrapped up his 2021 season with 722 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions.
He then transferred to West Virginia in the 2022 offseason where he played in 10 games. During the season, Daniels threw for 2,107 yards, 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions, going 4-6 in his starts.
Now, Daniels will be looking for yet another team with potentially two years of eligibility left due to his previous season-ending injury. Here are the best potential fits for the quarterback.
Florida
Could a return to the SEC East be in Daniels’ future? It could work for the quarterback as he has proven he can win in what is considered the nation’s toughest conference (going 7-0 during his time at Georgia). For Florida, the need is clearly there. Given starting quarterback Anthony Richardson announced his intention to enter the 2023 NFL Draft and the dismissal of Jalen Kitna, the Gators could use a steady hand under center, especially if they look to compete in the SEC East as soon as possible. Perhaps a return to the conference could once again unleash the potential that Daniels showed during his time with Georgia.
Missouri
Another SEC East school that could work for Daniels is Missouri. The quarterback showed interest in the program a year ago before he ultimately chose West Virginia, and the return to the SEC could be appealing. For Missouri, getting a solid veteran quarterback like Daniels to distribute to top playmakers like Luther Burden would help boost the team in and out of conference play. Missouri would provide Daniels the opportunity to return to the SEC East without the immense pressure that Florida quarterbacks face year in and year out.
Notre Dame
The Fighting Irish will be in search of a veteran presence to compete with Tyler Buchner after his injury-riddled season. With Drew Pyne announcing his entrance into the transfer portal, Notre Dame could use an extra arm and Daniels could fit the bill. Given his success against strong competition, Daniels should appeal to the Fighting Irish as they look to make a playoff push under head coach Marcus Freeman.
Wisconsin
As the Luke Fickell era begins in Madison, Daniels may be what the new coach needs. Given Fickell’s success with Desmond Ridder at Cincinnati, it would be interesting to see what he could do with a talent such as Daniels. With the loss of Badgers’ starting quarterback Graham Mertz to the transfer portal, the need is there and Daniels could help the Badgers immediately as they try to return to the top of the competitive Big Ten West.
Georgia Southern
A little more out of the box for Daniels’s last potential destination, but one that would make sense if one looks closer. Sure, Georgia Southern is a Group of 5 school and it wouldn’t allow Daniels to compete for a national title. However, the Eagles employ offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Bryan Ellis, who was the quarterbacks coach during Daniels’ freshman season at USC. Georgia Southern has a need as well as they will lose starter Kyle Vantrease to graduation. Given Daniels’ previous success under Ellis and the opportunity to show his abilities against a bit weaker competition could appeal to a player who is looking to improve his draft stock for the future.
