After starting 3-0, UCF collapsed against Colorado in Week 5, losing 48-21 at home. The bad news didn’t end there, with do-it-all playmaker Xavier Townsend opting to redshirt and enter the transfer portal when it opens on Dec. 9. Where will the versatile wide receiver end up?
Where Will Xavier Townsend Transfer?
The 5’11” and 185-pound true junior announced his decision on social media on Thursday, Oct. 3, after rumors surfaced earlier in the week.
— Xavier Townsend (@xtowns07) October 3, 2024
Townsend’s impending departure is the sixth among the top eight recruits from UCF head coach Gus Malzahn’s debut recruiting class.
Coming out of Berkeley Prep School in Tampa, Fla., Townsend was a four-star RB, according to 247Sports, but he also played WR and ran track (11.18-second 100-meter dash time).
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His athleticism was clear to see and has resulted in 1,625 all-purpose yards in his 29-game tenure with the Knights (521 receiving, 278 rushing, 440 punt return, and 386 kick return).
However, after beginning this season with just 10 catches for 69 yards and a touchdown, Townsend believed it was time to take his talents elsewhere. He wasn’t the only one, either, with reserve safety sitting out the remaining eight games and starting DB Bryon Threats informing coaches that he would also sit out and transfer.
Iowa State Cyclones
Townsend originally committed to Iowa State before flipping to UCF late in the recruiting process. Now, with his departure from UCF, the Cyclones emerge as a potential landing spot.
Their needs at wide receiver (leading pass catchers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel are in their final years) and Townsend’s previous connection with the coaching staff could make Ames, Iowa, a natural fit for his next stop.
Cincinnati Bearcats
Scott Satterfield recruited Townsend while at Louisville, and the Cardinals became one of the WR’s finalists. Now at Cincinnati, the two could rekindle their relationship.
Of the Bearcats’ six snap leaders at WR, only two could return next season. Why not replenish the talent pool with a pass catcher who has a history with Satterfield and his staff?
Vanderbilt Commodores
Vanderbilt was also in Townsend’s final top five programs, hosting him on an official visit. While the Commodores went 2-10 last year, they’ve already matched their win total this season (2-2) and are a far more competitive team.
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Now, Townsend may not want to leave one run-heavy offense for another (Vandy currently has a 65% run rate), but he could instantly challenge for the WR1 role and receive touches in the backfield.
USF Bulls
There’s no preexisting connection here, but if the Bulls show interest, Townsend should jump at the opportunity.
Not only is USF the closest FBS team to his hometown of Tampa, but Alex Golesh’s GO-GO-GO offense is one of the most productive in the country, and he’ll lose his top three WRs after this season. If anyone can maximize Townsend’s dynamic skill set, it’s Golesh and Co.
Florida State Seminoles
While not necessarily close to Tampa (roughly a four-hour drive), the Seminoles are still in the state, and they could use reinforcements next offseason. WRs No. 1-3 Ja’Khi Douglas, Malik Benson, and Kentron Poitier will be out of eligibility, and head coach Mike Norvell needs to turn the program around after beginning the 2024 campaign 1-4.
What better way to inject juice into the offense than with a versatile homegrown talent like Townsend?
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