The journey of Zach Calzada has been anything but ordinary. Once a prized recruit in the 2019 class, Calzada chose Texas A&M over offers from Georgia, Tennessee, and more. After six seasons filled with twists and a past injury granting him one final year of eligibility, the Georgia native is searching for a new home.
Calzada’s path has taken him from the SEC to the FCS, where he thrived at Incarnate Word over two seasons. Now, with his name in the transfer portal, Calzada is set to embark on his fourth stop in five seasons, chasing one last opportunity to shine at the FBS level and possibly for a Power Four program.
Where Could Zach Calzada Transfer?
Calzada’s college football journey has been one of resilience and resolve. A three-star recruit in 2019, he earned nearly 50 scholarship offers before committing to Texas A&M. Calzada etched his name into Aggie lore by leading a stunning 41-38 upset over No. 1 Alabama in 2021. But he didn’t stay in College Station and opted to move closer to home and play for Auburn.
After transferring to Auburn, a shoulder injury sidelined Calzada, halting his momentum. Next up was his stop at Incarnate Word.
In his two years at the FCS level, Calzada delivered a masterclass in perseverance and performance. He commanded the field precisely, throwing for 6,144 yards and 53 touchdowns. But his impact didn’t stop there.
Calzada added 382 yards on the ground and 10 more scores, showcasing his dual-threat ability and unrelenting drive.
Completing 66% of his passes, Calzada wasn’t just consistent — he was transformative for the IWU offense.
Now, as he re-enters the transfer portal, Calzada eyes a return to the FBS or Power Four stage. With 8,660 career passing yards, 73 touchdowns, and 11 rushing scores, he brings experience and grit. For whichever team lands him, he’ll arrive as a proven leader fueled by unfinished business and a chip on his shoulder.
Kentucky Wildcats
The Kentucky Wildcats are set to host former Texas and current Duke quarterback Maalik Murphy this week, but there are already reports that the Wildcats will also be in on Calzada. Mark Stoops has faith in Cutter Boley’s potential, but relying on three freshmen in the QB room isn’t the plan for next season.
At his signing day press conference, the Kentucky head coach made it clear — the Wildcats will look to the transfer portal for an experienced quarterback.
Enter Calzada, a proven competitor in the SEC, whose leadership and battle-tested résumé could be precisely what Kentucky needs. Stoops knows the stakes, and Calzada could be the steady hand to guide the Wildcats forward.
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Blake Shapen confirmed that he’ll return for his final season in Starkville this week. Yet, with his history of injuries, head coach Jeff Lebby knows the importance of depth and experience in the quarterback room.
The portal offers a chance to find that stability, especially with Oklahoma’s Jackson Arnold not heading to Mississippi State as many had anticipated.
This opens the door for a seasoned SEC quarterback like Calzada — someone with the grit, leadership, and experience to step in if called upon. For Lebby, it’s about preparation and ensuring the Bulldogs are ready for whatever comes their way in 2025. For Calzada, it’s the chance to once again earn a starting SEC job.
Texas State Bobcats
TJ Finley arrived at Texas State in 2023 with a point to prove. After transferring from Auburn, the redshirt sophomore seized the starting role and delivered a season to remember: 3,439 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
Despite initially committing to return in 2024, Finley entered the transfer portal just days after the Bobcats announced the signing of Arizona’s Jayden de Laura. By week’s end, he had committed to Western Kentucky, leaving a void in San Marcos.
Enter Calzada. For a program and offense thriving under head coach G.J. Kinne and offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich, Calzada offers more than just experience. He brings resilience, a sharp release, and a proven ability to shine under pressure.
it may not be the Power Four program he’d like to lead, but it gives Calzada a chance to shine in a high-powered offense. Plus, he stays in the state of Texas, where he’s played the last two seasons.
Tulane Green Wave
In the new world of the college football transfer portal, doors are constantly opening and closing. Kentucky is pursuing Calzada and Murphy, while Duke’s starting position was filled by former Tulane Green Wave QB Darian Mensah. That could potentially open up a door for Calzada at Tulane.
Mensah led the Green Wave to the 2024 AAC Championship Game against Army. Even though they fell short, 2025 could be an opportunity for Tulane to reload and possibly mimic a season like Boise State has pulled off in 2024.
This presents an intriguing option for Calzada and the Green Wave in 2025.
Cal Golden Bears
California Golden Bears starting quarterback Fernando Mendoza is one of the most sought-after names in the transfer portal. Although Cal has added former Ohio QB CJ Harris, a Mendoza-sized void remains as the Golden Bears prepare for 2025 and a second season in the ACC.
By adding Calzada, head coach Justin Wilcox could add serious competition to the QB room and ensure that his program doesn’t experience a massive regression following Mendoza’s departure. Calzada has shown he can lead a Power Four program, and Cal fully believes IT can continue to climb the ACC ladder in 2025.
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