The New Mexico Lobos’ future is cloudy at best, bleak at worst. With their head coach and offensive coordinator seemingly on the way out, their QB1 is following suit: Devon Dampier.
Where Will Devon Dampier Transfer?
Dampier, who has two years of eligibility left, emerged as a dual-threat dynamo and one of — if not the — most fun to watch players this season, throwing for 2,768 yards and 12 touchdowns while rushing for another 1,166 yards and 19 scores on the ground.
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A former three-star recruit out of Pinnacle High School in Phoenix, Arizona, Dampier spent his freshman year behind Dylan Hopkins before seizing the starting job in 2024. On social media, he expressed gratitude toward the New Mexico fanbase for his time in Albuquerque, marking the end of a memorable chapter as he seeks a new home.
Utah Utes
New Mexico offensive coordinator Jason Beck is reportedly nearing a multi-year deal with the Utah Utes, per Sports Illustrated’s Bryan Fischer. Not only would his addition massively improve the offense’s outlook, but it could also signal a changing of the guard under center.
True freshman Isaac Wilson was clearly thrust into action too early due to Cam Rising’s season-ending injury. Bringing in Dampier would allow Wilson to utilize his redshirt while honing his craft behind a dynamic dual-threat weapon that raises the program’s floor and ceiling.
Utah State Aggies
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, New Mexico head coach Bronco Mendenhall is expected to become the Utah State Aggies’ next full-time head coach. If Dampier doesn’t follow his OC to Utah, perhaps he follows his HC to the Utes’ in-state rival.
The Aggies need an influx of talent at the position, with Spencer Petras out of eligibility and redshirt junior Bryson Barnes not moving the needle all that much.
Washington Huskies
The Arizona Wildcats were Dampier’s first Power Five offer during his sophomore year of high school. The program’s head coach at the time? Jedd Fisch, the current head coach of the Washington Huskies.
Even more intriguing is that Jimmie Dougherty, who spearheaded Dampier’s recruitment, now serves as Washington’s passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Will Rogers flamed out under center, but the Huskies do have talented true freshman Demond Williams Jr. waiting in the wings.
Washington State Cougars/Oklahoma Sooners
A twofer!
This one is contingent on what happens with Washington State Cougars QB John Mateer. If he follows OC Ben Arbuckle to the Oklahoma Sooners, Wazzu gets the nod. (He also played them this year, totaling 367 yards and four TDs to single-handedly upset the Cougars).
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If he returns to Washington State, Norman will receive the vote for the landing spot. Dampier would instantly improve either program’s QB unit and fit either system.
Auburn Tigers
The Auburn Tigers will be linked to nearly every notable QB in the transfer portal due to Payton Thorne (out of eligibility), Hank Brown (transfer), and Holden Geriner (transfer) all leaving the room this offseason).
Hugh Freeze has had success with dual-threat QBs before, and Dampier is the premier dual-threat heading to the market.
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