UAB Blazers quarterback Jacob Zeno has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal after losing his starting job in 2024. The sixth-year senior has ample experience, starting 17 games for the Blazers after three years with the Baylor Bears.
The market is uncertain — and crowded — but Zeno is talented and experienced, meaning he should land on his feet somewhere. Here are five transfer portal landing spots for Zeno.
Where Could Jacob Zeno Transfer?
Though he’s older, Zeno hasn’t played much in his career. He barely saw the field in three years at Baylor and then played in just four games this past year at UAB after starting 11 in 2023.
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That said, Zeno has a strong arm, and he’s a decent runner as well. After falling out of favor with the UAB staff, where could the graduate transfer land?
I have a lower Group of Five grade on Zeno, but he could opt to be a valuable transfer portal asset: a quarterback willing to be a backup. Here are five potential landing spots for the former UAB quarterback.
UTSA Roadrunners
Owen McCown is the likely starter for the UTSA Roadrunners going forward, but there’s little depth behind him. If Zeno is willing to move closer to home (went to high school in San Antonio) to be the primary backup, this would be a great fit. Zeno and McCown can run the same offense, giving the staff peace of mind.
Syracuse Orange
Fran Brown was Zeno’s primary recruiter in the early part of Zeno’s recruitment to Baylor, and a reunion could be in order. Again, I don’t think Zeno would start, but it wouldn’t hurt to have an experienced, seventh-year backup in the mix.
Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks
The Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks have looked surprisingly competent under first-year coach Bryant Vincent. That is, everywhere except in the passing game, where the Warhawks ranked 129th in passing yards per game, ahead of only Michigan, Iowa, and the service academies.
This is an opportunity to reunite with a former coach with the potential to start and is probably my favorite potential landing spot for Zeno.
Kennesaw State Owls
I’m excited to see what the Jerry Mack era of Kennesaw State football has in store, but first, he needs a quarterback. The Owls were one of the worst passing offenses in the country last season and need a makeover on offense.
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I’m interested to see what direction Mack goes with his offense at Kennesaw State after coaching under Josh Heupel for three years from 2021-2023. He has an extensive offensive coaching history in various schemes and should be able to improve a struggling passing game.
Southern Miss Golden Eagles
The Southern Miss Golden Eagles have been one of the worst teams in the FBS over the last decade, but that could change under a new head coach. Whoever becomes the headman must find a quarterback quickly, as the passing game was atrocious in 2024.
Zeno brings the experience and talent to make an immediate impact and get the next era of Southern Miss football off to a strong start.
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