After competing for the starting job during spring practice, former Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Ben Bryant revealed his decision to transfer to the Northwestern Wildcats this week.
Bryant played well throughout the spring and was hoping to secure the starting spot for a second straight year but it appears the coaching staff prefers Arizona State transfer Emory Jones.
Despite still recovering from a season-ending broken foot in November, Bryant is expected to be fully healthy by the beginning of next season and will have one year of eligibility left.
Even though it’s still unclear which quarterback will emerge as the leading candidate heading into fall camp, the most likely scenario seems to be Jones following Bryant’s departure.
After initially deciding to return this season, #Bearcats quarterback Ben Bryant recently announced he entered the transfer portal and will finish his career elsewhere.https://t.co/CAaYYqkz4a pic.twitter.com/Qa9dJYdhgO
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) April 24, 2023
Cincinnati Football: Bearcats quarterback Ben Bryant announces transfer to Northwestern
In addition to Bryant, several former Bearcats have entered the transfer portal since the spring scrimmage took place including linebacker Jaheim Thomas and safety Armorion Smith.
Make sure to stay tuned for the most recent transfer updates and recruiting rumors as Cincinnati looks to build momentum with the inaugural Big 12 campaign on the horizon.
Scott Satterfield gave insight into the #Bearcats “highly contested” quarterback race! https://t.co/jpsPaoONY1 👀 pic.twitter.com/8gXVQGxcPF
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) April 18, 2023
Cincinnati Football: Quarterback battle highlights intriguing storylines heading into next season
Even though it’s unknown who will eventually earn the starting spot, Jones should be considered the current favorite over returning quarterbacks Evan Prater and Brady Lichtenberg.
Following the annual Spring Game in April, Bearcats head coach Scott Satterfield offered insight into the “highly contested” quarterback race in a press conference via Cincinnati Athletics.