Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets backup quarterback and spot starter Zach Pyron has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal, he announced Monday.
Pyron, the first starting-caliber quarterback in the portal, should have two years of eligibility remaining. As he tests the transfer portal waters, these schools could be solid landing spots for the Georgia Tech passer.
Where Could Zach Pyron Transfer?
Just a redshirt sophomore in 2023, the former Pinson Valley (AL) quarterback performed admirably as the change-of-pace passer and spot starter behind the more mobile Haynes King. This is likely a simple playing time transfer. Pyron played really well when called upon, but it’s clear this is King’s team, at least for next season, with true freshman Aaron Philo waiting in the wings.
But Pyron played well enough to prove he can succeed at the Power Four level, and he likely wants to find a home where he can play.
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I don’t think many true Blue Bloods will be kicking down the door to make Pyron an offer he can’t refuse, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him starting for a power conference team in 2025.
That being said, the raw numbers weren’t great — just a 51% completion percentage and 5.9 yards per attempt in his two starts this season — and he might be a guy who thrives at Group of Five school rather than struggling with a Power Four schedule. Here are five potential landing spots for Georgia Tech’s Zach Pyron.
Auburn Tigers
Hugh Freeze is going to bring in at least two transfer quarterbacks this offseason. Given that Pyron is from an Alabama 6A powerhouse, I think the Auburn Tigers head coach will at least reach out to inquire about him.
Freeze was once considered a quarterback guru, and he’s more inclined to look at the tools rather than the numbers when evaluating potential transfers. Pyron isn’t a statue in the pocket, and he has experience in Georgia Tech’s run-heavy offense. That could be appealing, as Freeze will want a quarterback capable of making reads in the running and option games.
Vanderbilt Commodores
The Vanderbilt Commodores were one of the first power conference teams to offer Pyron out of high school. While it’s clear the Commodores want to be active in the portal, they have to be more selective academically than other schools.
So, when a player from a high-academic school with ample playing time enters the portal, the Commodores will be a team to watch. I don’t think Vanderbilt is married to their option-heavy scheme from this season, so I’m not overly concerned with Pyron’s lack of mobility (relative to a guy like Diego Pavia).
Rice Owls
New Rice Owls head coach Scott Abell brings a unique scheme with him from his time with the Davidson Wildcats. He often uses multiple quarterbacks, and while he doesn’t rely on his quarterbacks’ legs, he wants a guy who can put his head down and get tough yardage near the first down line.
Abell will have a limited pool of transfer quarterbacks with Rice’s strict academic standards, and he’ll want to lock down his 2025 starter early. Pyron has the chance to be the first significant transfer in what could end up as a solid Group of Five transfer class.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
I’m hesitant to put the Wake Forest Demon Deacons as a true transfer destination for anyone right now, given the uncertainty with the staff and a lack of Name, Image, and Likeness infrastructure. Still, Pyron could thrive in that offense if Dave Clawson and Warren Ruggiero return in 2025.
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Pyron can make reads in the running game, and despite the low completion percentage, he can bring precision and accuracy to that type of offense. I’d imagine the Demon Deacons will be in the quarterback market, but like some of the other teams on this list, they’re working off of a limited pool, given the strict academic requirements.
Houston Cougars
Pyron has a long-standing relationship with Houston Cougars quarterbacks coach Shawn Bell. Pyron was committed to the Baylor Bears when Bell was still coaching there.
Bell has since joined the Houston staff, and it’s not hard to imagine Pyron being the type of leader a Willie Fritz-coached team wants in its quarterback. I’m not sure what the Cougars’ offseason plan will be, but this would seem to be a strong fit on the surface.
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