Two of BYU's transfer quarterback targets committed to other schools on Monday. Boise State transfer Taylen Green, who was originally scheduled to visit BYU later this week, committed to play for Arkansas. Meanwhile, Michigan State transfer Sam Leavitt committed to Arizona State. Leavitt was on campus this weekend for a visit. Today, we'll talk about the consequences of those decisions and where BYU goes from here.
Green's decision isn't surprising. The Razorbacks have been viewed as the favorite to land Green's services over the last several days. Physically speaking, there was a lot to like about Taylen Green. Green can turn a 7-yard gain into a 70-yard gain in the blink of an eye. While Green has a very high ceiling, he still has a long way to go before he reaches his ceiling. Green's lows were very low in 2023. At times, his decision making was head-scratching and his accuracy problems plagued the Boise State offense. There's still a very good chance that BYU can land a quarterback that will fit into BYU's scheme better than Green.
Sam Leavitt made an interesting choice. He picked Arizona State over competing offers from BYU, Utah, Washington State, and Oregon State. Arizona State is the only team on that list with a young, returning starter. Leavitt must believe he can beat out incumbent starter Jaden Rashada. Rashada played in three games as a true freshman before suffering an injury. Perhaps he's right and he will become the quarterback of the future for the Sun Devils. Leavitt had the skillset to be great in BYU's system, there's no doubt about that. But he was also a long way from a sure thing. He appeared in just four games as a true freshman and he played a total of 45 snaps. He is very inexperienced.
So where does BYU go from here? The Cougars have offered Ohio transfer Kurtis Rourke and Hawaii transfer Brayden Schager came to BYU for a visit. Both of those quarterbacks are experienced players that would be favorites to start at BYU next season.
BYU has contacted dozens of quarterbacks in the portal, many more than the four we just mentioned. Another quarterback could emerge (and more likely will), or a new quarterback could hit the portal tomorrow that jumps to the top of BYU's priority list.
Transfer season happens quickly. Both schools and players alike are forced into quick decisions. Spots are filling up fast at Power Five schools, but there are still a lot of desirable quarterbacks either in the portal or that will enter the portal. BYU can stay patient and wait for the right player. There will be more chances to bring in a starting-caliber player.
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