Vanderbilt QB AJ Swann is one of many quarterbacks who have announced that he is going into the transfer portal after two seasons with the Commodores. The announcement came on Monday that Swann will be finding a new home for his college career.
Let’s take a look at five schools that could potentially be good fits for the 19-year-old quarterback out of White, Georgia.
Transfer Landing Spots for QB AJ Swann
In two seasons with the Commodores, Swann had a career stat line of 2,731 yards passing with 22 touchdowns and nine interceptions. This past season, he finished with a career-high 1,457 yards and 12 touchdowns to seven interceptions. Still, Vanderbilt finished the season with a 2-10 overall record.
Here is the list of five schools that Swann could transfer to and be able to make an impact.
Virginia Tech Hokies
Virginia Tech Hokies QB Kyron Drones had a nice season throwing 15 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He’s also been a threat on the ground, rushing for 642 yards and four scores this season. His biggest issue has been accuracy, only completing 58 percent of his passes.
It may seem like a tall task for Swann to come in and take the job, but Virginia Tech was a place he once considered, as they offered him a scholarship in 2021 to play on the team. Swann would push and test Drones for the job, which is something both quarterbacks could need to improve.
MORE: College Football Transfer Portal Tracker
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
One change to this Georgia Tech team that has been different in past years is their commitment to throwing the football. Their current quarterback, Haynes King, has thrown for 2,755 yards, which is the fourth most in school history in the regular season and the most yards thrown in a season since 2001.
One struggle that King has had is turnovers, as he has thrown 15 interceptions this season. Swann has been better about protecting the football and could come in to challenge King. While the incumbent may be more athletic, Swann could enter as the more polished passer.
Swann visited Georgia Tech multiple times before committing to Vanderbilt. Plus, he is from Georgia, so that could be a selling point for him to stay closer to home.
Maryland Terrapins
Current Maryland Terrapins QB Taulia Tagovailoa put up big numbers for Maryland after deciding to return for his senior season. The Terrapins finished with a 7-5 record and will be going to a bowl game. Going into next season though, they will need to figure out their quarterback situation.
During Swann’s recruitment in 2021, he first committed to Maryland before decommitting and going to Vanderbilt. This could be his chance to return to the school he was previously going to attend and take over as quarterback for the program.
Tulane Green Wave
The Tulane Green Wave has had quite the turnaround story over the last two seasons, as they have recorded 10-plus wins in two straight seasons. A big part of that has been their quarterback Michael Pratt, who has thrown for 2,168 yards with 21 touchdowns to just four interceptions this season.
Tulane was a school that offered Swann a scholarship in 2021 before he ultimately decided to attend Vanderbilt. Pratt will be entering his senior season next year, which means it would be just one season of Swann sitting behind him before potentially taking over. The Green Wave has a strong culture in place and talent all around them, so it would be a great spot for Swann to grow and improve.
Iowa Hawkeyes
College football fans know all too well the struggles that the Iowa Hawkeyes have had at quarterback. Injuries and inconsistent play at the position have held this team back from being a national contender. Despite all that, they are a ten-win team playing for a chance to win the Big Ten this season, which is a big accomplishment.
QB Deacon Hill will be back next season in Iowa, but even his playing has not been good enough to be a national contender. Swann could push Hill or even take the job. He’s got the arm talent and the defense to support him there.