By Mark Pszonak
With the transfer portal opening in less than a month, plenty of schools will be looking for their next quarterback. Here are six G5 quarterbacks who would create plenty of noise if they entered:
John Mateer, Washington State (RS Soph, 6’1”, 219-pounds)
Mateer has been a revelation for the Cougars after backing up Cam Ward for two seasons. Leading Washington State to an 8-1 start, he has passed for 2,332 yards, 22 touchdowns and six interceptions, while also rushing for 630 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has showcased unique playmaking abilities and toughness that would make him a big-time addition to the portal.
Darian Mensah, Tulane (RS Frosh, 6’3”, 200-pounds)
Mensah began summer camp getting third-string reps but quickly moved his way up the depth chart in August to eventually become the starter. And he has grabbed his opportunity by the reigns. Having passed for 2,059 yards, 16 touchdowns and only four interceptions, he is the main reason that the Green Wave are currently 8-2. Only a redshirt freshman, his potential is impressive.
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Gio Lopez, South Alabama (RS Frosh, 6’0”, 220-pounds)
Lopez redshirted while playing in five games last season but was also named the MVP of the 68 Ventures Bowl after earning his only start in the finale. As the fulltime starter this season he has passed for 1,891 yards, 14 touchdowns and only two interceptions while completing 65.4% of his attempts. He has also shown himself to be a valuable threat on the ground with 391 yards and four touchdowns.
Chandler Morris, North Texas (Junior, 6-foot-0, 191-pounds)
This one would be interesting if it happened. Morris started his collegiate career at Oklahoma before transferring to TCU and then North Texas. But it wasn’t until he joined the Mean Green that he reached his full potential. His play this season shows that he has the talent to do that, with 3,087 yards, 26 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Will he stay at North Texas for his final season or try to prove to everyone that he can make his mark at the P4 level?
Evan Bullock, Louisiana Tech (RS Frosh, 6’5”, 212-pounds)
After throwing only five passes and playing in one game during his true freshman season, expectations were rather limited for Bullock in 2024. Jack Turner and Blake Baker began the season at the top of the depth chart, but Bullock quickly took over the offense. Since then, he has passed for 1,452 yards, 12 touchdowns and only two interceptions while completing 66.5% of his attempts. While his college experience may be lacking, he has impressed while on the field this season, and at 6-foot-5, 212-pounds, he has the size that college coaches look for.
Alonza Barnett III, James Madison (RS Soph, 6’0”, 207-pounds)
Barnett waited his turn at James Madison, which came around when head coach Curt Cignetti departed for Indiana and quarterback Jordan McCloud transferred to Texas State. He has made the most of his opportunity this season, passing for 2,034 yards, 21 touchdowns and only two interceptions. He has also shown mobility with 325 yards and five touchdowns rushing.
