Despite having Bill Belichick as his potential coach for the 2025 campaign, now-former North Carolina Tar Heels QB Jacolby Criswell hit the transfer portal this offseason. With one year of eligibility remaining, where could the former UNC/Arkansas signal-caller land in 2025?
The options could surprise you.
Where Could Jacobly Criswell Transfer?
Criswell understands the lay of the land and the transient nature of college football in 2025. The two-time North Carolina enrollee and former backup entered the transfer portal, searching for a new home.
Returning from Arkansas last season, the former Tar Heels signal-caller played 12 games in 2024, completing 58.1% of his passes with a 15:6 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Belichick’s arrival signals Criswell’s departure. Where should he consider?
Georgia
As strange as it sounds, the Bulldogs need a veteran quarterback presence. Pete Nakos of On3.com reported that Criswell and Georgia have begun discussions, and the Bulldogs could factor into his decision.
With talent everywhere except quarterback, Georgia could benefit from a dual-threat signal-caller with game experience. For a player with just 378 career pass attempts, heading to Athens with a chance to make a playoff run could be an enticing opportunity.
Kansas
After five years of Jalon Daniels electrifying crowds in Lawrence and across the Big 12, the Jayhawks need a quarterback to bridge the transition. Daniels accounted for 64 total touchdowns as a dual threat, and Criswell fits seamlessly into Kansas’ spread offense.
Head coach Lance Leipold will likely craft a similar system tailored to Criswell’s skill set. Additionally, this move could serve as a stepping stone to the Canadian Football League, where spread offenses thrive on a larger field.
Texas State
Head coach G.J. Kinne has earned a reputation as a quarterback whisperer, being a former signal-caller himself. If Criswell lands in San Marcos, he would lead an eight-win team coached by someone who can minimize his weaknesses and highlight his strengths.
Criswell has a strong arm—why not play in a system that moves the pocket and allows him to push the ball downfield vertically?
Louisiana
Replacing Ben Wooldridge, the 2024 Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year, would be no small task. But stepping onto a 10-win team in a winnable conference gives Criswell and the Ragin’ Cajuns a chance to contend for an at-large playoff spot.
Teaming up with sophomore running back Elijah Davis could provide Louisiana with the firepower to make a serious run.
UTEP
Skyler Locklear didn’t set the world on fire, posting a 10:6 touchdown-to-interception ratio and throwing for 1,583 yards. As a graduate transfer, Criswell would inherit an offense with a legitimate playmaker in Kenny Odom, who averaged 16.1 yards per catch.
UTEP put up just 19 points per game in 2024, and second-year head coach Scotty Walden needs a spark to wake up a long-dormant program.
Bottom Line
If Criswell picks Georgia, no one can blame him. Likewise, choosing Kansas or Texas State also makes sense.
MORE: Track all the movement in the portal via CFN’s Transfer Portal Tracker for 2025
In the twilight of his college career, the need to go out a winner and possibly generate professional interest means he must perform well and lead his next team to victories in 2025.
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