Boston College Head Coach Bill O'Brien Names Starting QB for Louisville

In Boston College’ 38-23 loss to the UConn Huskies over the weekend, the redshirt senior went 16-of-28 for 204 yards and two touchdowns as well as recorded 17 rush attempts for 26 yards. 

O’Brien also shared what he saw in James’ performance on Saturday afternoon. 

“He did a lot of good things,” said O’Brien. “He competed. He ran the ball well. I thought he did some decent things in the passing game. Missed some things. I’m sure he wishes he could have those plays back, but I thought he did a lot of good things in the game. He’s a competitive guy.” 

The Lake Highlands, Texas, native has been with the Eagles program for two seasons after transferring from FIU. In 2024, he appeared in six games which included five starts and went 106-for-166 for 1,202 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions as well as 37 rush attempts for 79 yards and three touchdowns.

Last year, he was named the starting quarterback in November over former quarterback Thomas Castellanos which caused Castellanos to leave the program and enter the transfer portal. He eventually went to Florida State. 

James led the Eagles to their first seven-win regular season since 2018 and helped them become bowl eligible for the eighth time in the last nine years. 

During training camp this summer, James lost the starting job to Alabama transfer Dylan Lonergan, who started Boston College’s first six games and went 132-of-197 for 1,394 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions. 

Prior to his start against the Huskies, James saw time in two games this year off the bench against Fordham and at Pitt. 

In Boston College’s season-opening 66-10 win versus Fordham on Aug. 30, James went 5-of-5 for 190 yards and a touchdown while in the team’s 48-7 loss at Pitt on Oct. 4, he went 2-of-9 for 30 yards and one interception. 

Currently, Boston College is sitting at 1-6 on the year and 0-4 in ACC play. The Eagles will be seeking their second win of the season on Saturday night as it travels to Louisville, Ky., to face the Louisville Cardinals. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ACC Network.