Joe Burrow announced his intention to transfer from Ohio State on Tuesday, meaning the best graduate transfer of the 2018 season is now on the market.
Burrow did everything he could to win the starting job with the Buckeyes, but it's clear either Dwayne Haskins or Tate Martell will be the successor to J.T. Barrett in Columbus. Burrow passed for 238 yards and two touchdowns in the spring game on April 14, and his last pass at Ohio Stadium was a Hail Mary for a touchdown on an untimed down.
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"I didn't come here to sit on the bench for four years," Burrow said after the game. "I know I'm a pretty good quarterback. I want to play somewhere."
Burrow, a former Ohio Mr. Football in 2014 at Athens High, played well in the spring game each of the last three offseasons, and it's clear the school that lands him will get a quarterback who should get a shot in the NFL. Which schools will get that chance? Here are a few enticing candidates:
Nebraska
Burrow's father, Jimmy, and brothers, Jamie and Dan, all played for the Cornhuskers. Joe would simply be the next man up, and this would be an interesting play for coach Scott Frost, who must replace three-year starter Tanner Lee in his first season in Lincoln.
Florida
The Gators have had a perpetual need at quarterback, and Dan Mullen — a Meyer assistant who groomed Tim Tebow and Dak Prescott — wouldn't have to rush true freshman Emory Jones. It also gives Florida an efficient quarterback. That hasn't happened in a while.
Texas
Tom Herman recruited Burrow at Ohio State, but this could shake up the competition between Sam Ehlinger and Shane Buechele a little too much. It's a risk for the Longhorns and for Burrow, but don't rule it out.
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LSU
What continues to hold back the Tigers? It's quarterback play, and a three-way competition was left unresolved in the spring. Ed Orgeron needs a quarterback. Burrow needs a place to play. They could make it work, especially considering the talent with whom he'd be playing.
Cincinnati
Second-year coach Luke Fickell knows Burrow well from his time at Ohio State, and it makes sense for the Bearcats. Burrow would put up big numbers in the American Athletic Conference, and he'd get to stay in his home state.
Pitt
It's close to home, and this is a competition Burrow could win. The Panthers' offensive system also fits his skill set. Pat Narduzzi could be willing to take a chance here, despite a lack of connections.
Boston College
Burrow fits in Boston College's system and would make the Eagles more competitive in the ACC under Steve Addazio, another former Meyer assistant.
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That doesn't even include long-shots like TCU, the Buckeyes' opponent on Sept. 15, or Ohio, where Burrow's father is a defensive coordinator for Frank Solich.
One of these schools is going to get Burrow, and in so doing will get a quarterback who can contribute immediately. It wouldn't be a shock to watch Burrow take the same leap Mitchell Trubisky had with North Carolina in 2016. He's that good. And if he finds the right system, an FBS program is going to reap the rewards.
Somebody is going to get a significant upgrade real soon.
