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By Kevin Causey
We learned on Thursday that Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson would transfer this offseason. This paves the way for Malik Zaire to take over under center for the Irish.
The more interesting story, though, is where Golson will call signals in 2015. We posed the question to our Facebook fans and they came back with schools from LSU and Alabama to Colorado, Illinois, Miami and Wisconsin. Let’s take a closer look at five locations that make sense, both for him and for the schools in question -- plus a plot-twist-laden sixth option as well.
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1. LSU Tigers
As early as January, there were rumors linking Golson and LSU. If you watched LSU play in 2014, you know why. The Tigers’ quarterback play was horrific: LSU QBs combined to complete just 50 percent of their passes. Golson would represent an immediate upgrade and would give LSU a chance to work further with Anthony Jennings and/or Brandon Harris before the job is turned over to them. At LSU, Golson could also work with Cam Cameron, who spent 10 years in the NFL and recently helped Zach Mettenberger get to the league. LSU faces a very difficult road in the SEC West this season. Another offensive weapon would definitely help Les Miles sleep better at night.
2. Texas Longhorns
This would be the most interesting place for Golson to transfer. Why? The Longhorns open the season in South Bend. Can you imagine Golson strolling in to face the team he played for last year? Oh, the storylines!
Why would the Longhorns be a fit? They don’t have a quarterback who inspires confidence and haven’t had one in quite some time. Tyrone Swoopes struggled last year and it’s doubtful he will turn the corner in 2015. The Horns have Jerrod Heard, but is Charlie Strong ready to go with the youngster? Golson would be a great stop-gap until Heard is ready.
3. South Carolina Gamecocks
Everett Golson is from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Will he decide to play his final year of college football close to home? It’s likely that will be a factor in Golson’s decision, and South Carolina does not have a returning quarterback.
Dylan Thompson struggled with consistency in 2014, and with his exit, sophomore Connor Mitch looks to be the heir apparent. If Mitch was ready, he probably would have gotten a better look last year during the Gamecocks’ struggles. Bringing in Golson could be just what the doctor ordered for South Carolina’s recent stagnation as a program.
4. Ole Miss Rebels
Right now Hugh Freeze is tying his team’s SEC championship dreams to Chad Kelly. That’s a scary thought. Would the idea of getting Everett Golson for one year be powerful enough for Freeze to pull the trigger?
The Rebels’ defense looks like it will be out of the world this year. But, if the offense isn’t up to par, that great defense could be wasted. Putting Golson under center instead of Kelly could represent Freeze’s best chance to help get the Rebels over the hump. Ole Miss must go to Bryant-Denny Stadium for game three of the season against Alabama, but its first two games are against UT-Martin and Fresno State. That would give Golson a great chance to get his feet wet before jumping into the deep end of the pool.
5. Washington Huskies
Would Golson want to go West and play for Chris Petersen and the Huskies? Cyler Miles recently went on personal leave, and his status as starting quarterback was up in the air even before he left. Miles’ numbers look good on paper, but don’t tell the whole story.
Golson to Washington makes a lot of sense for the Huskies, but not really for Golson. Will the Huskies compete for a Pac-12 championship this year? It’s doubtful — this looks like more of a rebuilding year for Petersen and crew.
6. Eastern Washington Eagles
In addition to those five teams, how about a dark horse (hat tip to TSS associate editor Terry Johnson). Vernon Adams has left Eastern Washington in a bind by leaving them for Oregon. Eastern Washington’s head coach was not happy about the move. Head coach Beau Baldwin has led Eastern Washington to three straight 10-win seasons, but hasn’t been able to get back over the hump since winning the FCS championship in 2010. In an attempt to overtake North Dakota State, what if Baldwin pulled a magically rabbit out of his hat in the form of Everett Golson? It’s not likely, but it sure would make for a great story.
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POSTSCRIPT:
This is an important note to keep in mind when considering any SEC school as a landing spot for Golson, via this tweet from Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee.
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