With UCF bringing in Arkansas QB KJ Jefferson this offseason, it was clear Timmy McClain would ride the bench for a third consecutive year. Thus, he opted to enter the transfer portal and play out his two remaining years of eligibility elsewhere. Which landing spots provide the best fits?
Landing Spots for Timmy McClain
McClain transferred to UCF from rival USF after flashing his potential as a true freshman. He redshirted in 2022 and sat behind John Rhys Plumlee in 2023. However, he started three games when Plumlee was injured and showed improvements as a passer. McClain completed 64 of 102 attempts for 1,065 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions while adding 104 yards and a score on four carries.
The redshirt junior is transferring to play, specifically on a team that will take advantage of his rushing ability. So which teams meet the criteria?
FAU Owls
The Owls need a new QB, with Daniel Richardson off to Florida A&M. They brought in Marshall QB Cam Fancher, but Tom Herman shouldn’t bet the house on him. McClain should be able to win the competition and offers a dual-threat skill set for OC Charlie Frye to tap into.
Buffalo Bulls
Buffalo OC/QBs coach Dave Patenaude held the same position at Georgia Tech when the Yellow Jackets were recruiting McClain out of high school. With a huge question mark under center following Cole Snyder’s departure for Eastern Michigan, Patenaude could land the QB he coveted three years ago.
Georgia State Panthers
I have listed the Panthers as a landing spot for other transfer portal QBs in the spring window — for good reason. They need talent at the position, with former GA Tech and Akron signal-caller Zach Gibson slated to start. McClain would be a left-handed Darren Grainger, keeping the offense on the same schedule it’s had the last three years.
Toledo Rockets
Tucker Gleason is the current QB1 on the depth chart, and he has completed 91 of 186 career passing attempts (49%). McClain is an instant upgrade and could run the same plays Dequan Finn did for the Rockets.
Bethune-Cookman Wildcats
Bethune-Cookman is comfortable rolling with Luke Sprague at QB, but McClain is the superior talent. Playing lesser competition for a year and bouncing back to the Power Five could be what the doctor ordered for McClain’s career (D2 West Florida is another option in the same vein).
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Plus, as Executive Director of College Football Network Cam Mellor pointed out, Bethune-Cookman is the next stop on his natural progression of programs on Interstate 4 (USF to UCF to BC).
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