Ohio Bobcats running back Rickey Hunt is lifted into the air by Ohio Bobcats offensive lineman Parker Titsworth after a touchdown. David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Ohio completes jump-pass TD to take commanding first-half lead in Myrtle Beach Bowl

Ohio quarterback Parker Navarro and running back Rickey Hunt are making the most of their time on the big stage against Georgia Southern in the Myrtle Beach Bowl.

Navarro took the snap out of the shotgun on a first-and-10 from the Eagles' 18-yard line and ran toward the line of scrimmage as though the play was a QB run. Before crossing the line of scrimmage, Navarro threw a jump pass to Hunt, who was behind the defense and made an outstanding one-handed grab before turning around and scoring a touchdown.

The play was reminiscent of Tim Tebow's jump pass in 2006 against LSU.

Backups during the regular season, Navarro and Hunt were thrust into starting roles for the Bobcats' bowl game.

2023 starting quarterback Kurtis Rourke and running back Sieh Bangura entered the transfer portal earlier this month. 

Rourke appeared in 11 games this season and was 195-of-307 (63.5 percent) for 2,207 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions. Bangura led the team with 989 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns.

In the third quarter with Ohio leading 27-7, Navarro is 9-of-13 for 91 yards and a touchdown while adding nine carries for 55 yards. Freshman Hunt has three touchdowns after having seven touches during the regular season. 

Their big games wouldn't have been possible without the transfer portal. It's certainly a system that needs fixing, but it's always great for players rarely in the spotlight to get time to shine.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
2008 Celtics champion sentenced to prison despite emotional plea
Skip Bayless makes huge Tom Brady prediction after Netflix roast
Suns make big decision on head coach Frank Vogel
14-year-old phenom signs unprecedented MLS deal that includes future Man City transfer
Pacers coach claims officials are biased against 'small market' teams
Hall of Famer makes bold prediction about Russell Wilson, Steelers
49ers Hall of Fame CB Jimmy Johnson dies
Rams make surprising move with former team captain
NBA announces discipline for Bucks' Patrick Beverley
Hall of Fame RB defends Najee Harris after Steelers decline fifth-year option
Pacers file shocking number of questionable calls after Game 2 loss vs. Knicks
Former NBA star says Anthony Edwards becomes face of the NBA if Wolves knock off Nuggets
Hornets hire top Celtics assistant as next head coach
Maple Leafs fire HC Sheldon Keefe after another early playoff exit
Super Bowl champion discusses why Russell Wilson failed with Broncos
Colts LB Zaire Franklin calls out Texans, C.J. Stroud
Angels to acquire longtime Mets infielder from Braves
Giants sign former Pro Bowl wide receiver
Report reveals why the NBA did not suspend Jamal Murray
Pressure mounts on Nuggets as Nikola Jokic wins third MVP Award

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.