Brett Gabbert transferring: 5 potential landing spots
Editor’s Note: Brett Gabbert withdrew his name from the transfer portal on Dec. 9, deciding to return to the Miami University-Ohio program.
OXFORD, Ohio (BVM) – Junior quarterback Brett Gabbert has proven he knows how to play at the Division I level. Through four seasons at Miami University-Ohio, the signal-caller played in over 30 games and even won some hardware during his time at the school, helping the RedHawks win their first MAC championship in nearly a decade by defeating Central Michigan as a freshman in 2019.
Looking to maximize his time at the collegiate level, Gabbert made the decision to enter his name into the transfer portal on Nov. 23. Given his experience level and the fact he has two years of eligibility remaining, Gabbert will surely attract a number of programs to his services.
I will always be a Redhawk.❤️ pic.twitter.com/6cHoWRww6H
— Brett Gabbert (@BrettGabbert) November 23, 2022
In four seasons with the RedHawks, Gabbert played in 31 games registering 6,259 passing yards, 45 passing touchdowns and 14 interceptions while rushing for 336 yards and five more scores on the ground. He was named third-team All-MAC in 2021 and the 2019 MAC Freshman of the Year.
Gabbert had a strong high school career as well. During his time as the starting quarterback for Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis, Gabbert posted a record of 36-4 while winning two straight state titles. As a junior and senior, Gabbert threw for 5,909 yards and 78 touchdowns on his way to 2018 6A Missouri Offensive Player of the Year and first team all-state honors during his final year.
This helped the signal-caller earn a consensus three-star rating as the No. 38 pro-style quarterback in the Class of 2019. By the time he committed to the RedHawks, Gabbert held 10 Division I offers.
With his high-level of play in the MAC and his solid reputation as a recruit, Gabbert could immediately add to any program’s quarterback room. Here are five destinations where the signal-caller could land.
Missouri
This connection shouldn’t be a surprise to fans that know the Gabbert family. That’s because Brett’s older brother, Blaine, was a star at the University of Missouri from 2008-2010 before being drafted in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
While Brett may not come in with the same hype Blaine did, he would provide Tigers with a solid veteran presence that could easily distribute the ball to the team’s numerous playmakers. Brett would also get the benefit of returning close to home which could further push his interest in joining the program.
Oklahoma State
With the announced transfer of starting quarterback Spencer Sanders, the Oklahoma State Cowboys will be looking for a new signal-caller. This could make Brett an attractive prospect.
Back when Brett was still in high school, though he never received an offer from the Cowboys, the program did show interest in the quarterback. Given that the team just finished the season with a 7-5 record and came up slightly short on their quest for a Big 12 Championship, the Pokes could be looking to capitalize on a strong roster if they can find stability at the quarterback position. With Brett’s wealth of experience, he could be the steady hand the Cowboys would be looking for.
Southern Methodist University
Another program that showed interest in Brett coming out of high school was SMU. Again, while Brett missed out on the offer he could be a good fit for the team now that he’s gained more experience at the college level.
The Mustangs are in need of a quarterback after their starter, Tanner Mordecai, announced his plan to enter the 2023 NFL Draft. The presumptive replacement, Preston Stone, ended his year with a season ending collarbone injury which may worry some members of the staff. Whether Brett would be given the starting job or not, he would at least present some competition for Stone while also giving the Mustangs an experienced quarterback to lead the team if Stone wasn’t back to his former self.
Louisville
While there isn’t as much of a connection between Brett and the Louisville Cardinals program, the two could find a mutual ground to make a relationship work. Brett is a Midwestern quarterback who found his college success at nearby Miami, only about two and a half hours away from Louisville’s campus.
The Cardinals will also have new head coach Jeff Brohm on staff for next season. Brohm implemented a strong offense during his time at Purdue and could use a veteran quarterback for his first season at the helm as the team will be without its previous starter Malik Cunningham who is out of eligibility. This, coupled with the fact that Brett is more of a pro-style, drop back quarterback, could make him an interesting option for Brohm and his offensive system in Louisville.
Kentucky
This could make things interesting for the Gabbert family. With the announced departure of Will Levis to the 2023 NFL Draft, the Kentucky Wildcats could use a veteran quarterback under center. This would also bring another Gabbert into the SEC East, though Brett would play against Blaine’s Missouri Tigers in this scenario.
Once again, Kentucky isn’t far from Miami-Ohio, around just two hours away. This makes Brett a known commodity around the area and keeps him near the collegiate roots he has already established.
Wildcats fans also already got to see a bit of Brett play earlier in 2022 when his RedHawks visited Lexington. While his team was outmatched, Brett played well, going 20-for-28 for 166 yards while rushing 10 times for 28 yards. Add the fact that Kentucky has had success with transfer quarterbacks, Levis being the primary example, and maybe the Wildcats could strike gold again with Brett.
