For the fourth-straight year, Oklahoma's starting quarterback comes via a transfer from another program.
Jalen Hurts, who went 27-2 as a starter at Alabama and led the Crimson Tide to two consecutive national championship games, is heading to Oklahoma as a graduate transfer and will be eligible immediately.
Hurts leaves Alabama after he lost the starting quarterback job to Tua Tagovailoa, who finished second in the Heisman voting. He announced his decision via the Players Tribune:
Growing up, I never thought I’d get to where I am today as a 20 year old. And I dang sure never thought I would have the power to positively impact so many people, and especially kids, across the nation like I do now. It’s a huge honor…. but it’s also a huge responsibility. Not everyone in this life gets the chance to be a role model. And that’s why I’m on this mission: to be the best player, leader, and man that I can be. I know everything will unfold according to God’s timing. I am blessed to be where my feet are; my trust is in his hands.
So to my about-to-be family in Norman, I truly appreciate you for bringing me on board. Y’all don’t know me yet……… but just for now, to introduce myself: I’m a motivated coach’s son from the Eastside of Houston, and I love to play ball.
And to my Bama family, once again, THANK YOU — for everything. It’s been a great three years. I’ll love you until the end of time!
Oklahoma has had success with transfer quarterbacks in recent years. Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray both transferred into the program, and both won Heisman Trophies. Before he even announced a transfer destination, Hurts had 9/1 odds to do the same.
