College football recruiting shifts as transfers dominate starting QB roles

The landscape of college football recruiting has shifted significantly due to the prevalence of the transfer portal. Approximately 65% of starting quarterbacks in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) this season have transferred at some point in their careers.

This trend is largely attributed to the NCAA removing the requirement for players to sit out a year after transferring during the 2021-22 season. Former NFL quarterback and coach Trent Dilfer noted that this change has altered the recruiting process, stating that programs are now often recruiting experienced ‘men’ rather than developing high school recruits who can learn on the job.

At the University of Wisconsin, this reality is evident as the program enters its fourth consecutive season with a transfer at the starting quarterback position. Prospect Ryan Hopkins, a former three-star recruit from Mater Dei, recently joined the program despite the increased competition from experienced transfers.