College football transactions that should have happened this offseason
The impending start of the season erases the possibility of any big transactions taking place, but it's always fun to think about what could have been. Here are some moves that probably should've occurred this offseason, but, for whatever reason, just didn't happen.
Quarterback Cardale Jones transfers out of Ohio State
Ohio State's embarrassment of riches in its quarterback stable could push reigning Big Ten Championship Game MVP Cardale Jones out of the starter spot. Despite leading Ohio State to victory in last season’s national title game, Jones enters camp as an underdog to his more experienced teammate, even with Braxton Miller electing to play as a wide receiver. Sophomore J.T. Barrett appears to have the inside track on the starting job and has an additional year of eligibility compared to Jones. The junior should've taken the year off and transferred elsewhere.
Former Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson transfers to Texas or South Carolina
Seeing his hold on Notre Dame's starting quarterback position slip, Everett Golson shocked the college ranks by opting to transfer to Florida State earlier in the offseason. The Seminoles may be a perennial national title contender, but Golson enters the program as the prohibitive No. 3 in the depth chart. Choosing a program that was weaker at the quarterback slot would have allowed Golson to immediately become the front-runner for the starting spot. Sure, Jimbo Fisher has a proven track record for developing elite signal-callers, but perhaps South Carolina or Texas would've been a better fit.
Quarterback Tyrone Swoopes transfers out of Texas
Tyrone Swoopes doesn't appear to be long for the No. 1 quarterback job in Texas. According to reports, coach Charlie Strong is actively looking for a replacement after Swoopes' maddeningly inconsistent 2014, in which he led the Longhorns to a meager 6-7 record. Perhaps a change of scenery could have revived his collegiate career, but for now, it appears Swoopes will play out the rest of his eligibility with the Longhorns.
Florida nabs an experienced transfer quarterback
The biggest surprise of the offseason just might be Florida's absence from the transfer market. Despite losing Jeff Driskel to Louisiana Tech, the Gators failed to lure another top-tier talent to the program. It's even more stunning considering Florida had just replaced Will Muschamp with the more offensively minded Jim McElwain as head coach. The cupboard is shockingly bare for the Gators when it comes to signal-callers - Treon Harris is the only quarterback on the roster that took a snap in 2014. Plus, there were several high-profile quarterbacks on the move this offseason, such as Golson and ex-Texas A&M starter Kenny Hill. Why couldn't Gainesville draw any of them?
Quarterback Trevor Knight leaves Oklahoma
Last season did not end well for Oklahoma quarterback Trevor Knight, and it cost him the starting position. After leading the Sooners to an impressive 4-0 start, the wheels began to come off once Knight faced stronger Big 12 competition. The Sooners finished 5-4 in conference play and ended 2014 with a blowout 40-6 defeat to Clemson in the Citrus Bowl. His stock has since fallen rapidly in Norman, with Texas Tech transfer Baker Mayfield getting the nod under center for the opener. Knight, who was named 2014 Sugar Bowl MVP, should've read the writing on the wall and sought to play for another program.