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College Football QB Enters Transfer Portal After 350-Yard Performance In Bowl Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated Dec 30, 2024 6:07 PM ET

A college football quarterback is looking to play elsewhere after putting together an impressive performance in a bowl loss.

Senior Zevi Eckhaus took over the Washington State offense after the departure of starter John Mateer to Oklahoma. The former Bryant transfer started against Syracuse in the DirecTV Holiday Bowl and completed 31-of-43 passes for 363 yards with three touchdowns to two interceptions in the 52-35 loss.

While Eckhaus wasn't perfect against the Orange, his play provided a positive outlook at the position with Mateer's exit. The Culver City, California, native was named Big South Offensive Player of the Year and a finalist for the Walter Payton Award as a junior at Bryant.

But, unfortunately for Cougars fans, the situation took a disappointing turn on Monday.

The 6-foot, 200-pound passer announced his plans to enter the transfer portal, citing the coaching change and questions about his future in a post on X.

With the change in coaching staff, and the uncertainty surrounding my future, I have decided to enter my name in the portal until January 5th to explore any opportunities that may present themselves.
— Zevi Eckhaus (@zevi_eckhaus) December 30, 2024

Washington State lost head coach Jake Dickert to Wake Forest and lost both coordinators since the end of the 8-4 regular season. Now, newly hired head coach Jimmy Rogers (South Dakota State) will need to find more options at quarterback.

There is a potential silver lining for Rogers and Co. as they navigate the situation. South Dakota State quarterback Mark Gronowski, who won two national championships under Rodgers, entered the transfer portal on Sunday.

Gronowski (6-foot-3, 230 pounds) won the Walter Payton Award in 2023 as he helped lead the Jackrabbits to a second consecutive FCS national title. The senior threw for 2,719 yards with 23 touchdowns to seven interceptions while adding 380 yards and 10 scores on the ground in 2024.

Rodgers' connection with Gronowski is clear, though he is also considering the NFL draft, according to a report from ESPN's Pete Thamel.

Because of the coaching transition, players have more time beyond the original winter transfer window (Dec. 9-28) to make decisions on where they will play in 2025. There will also be a second and final transfer window in the 2025 cycle (April 16-25).

The new-look Cougars will open the 2025 season against Idaho at home on Aug. 30.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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