For his first two college seasons, former five-star quarterback JT Daniels earned USC's starting quarterback job. Now, with three seasons of eligibility remaining, he's in the transfer portal.
However, according to USC coach Clay Helton, there is still a chance he remains a Trojan.
USC QB JT Daniels has put his name in the transfer portal.
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) April 16, 2020
Here is @USCCoachHeltons statement: pic.twitter.com/yCl2hnK6Kj
“We have been working with JT and his family, as well as our compliance office, to help him navigate the process of entering his name in the transfer portal,” Helton said in a statement. “It is his desire to explore all of his options going into the 2020 season.
“We will continue to support JT in every way possible and help him through his decision, including the option of staying on with our football team," the statement continued. "JT is a terrific person, student, player, and valued member of our football team.”
Daniels reclassified from a junior to a senior to be able to enroll at USC a year earlier than expected and was still considered the No. 2 pro-style quarterback in the 2018 class and the No. 16 overall prospect in the country.
In what was supposed to be his senior season of high school, Daniels won USC's starting quarterback job in 2018 and threw for 2,672 yards in his debut college season, though the Trojans finished the season just 5-7, missing a bowl for the first time since 2000.
Though USC held an open competition for the starting job ahead of the 2018 season, Daniels won the job again before suffering a season-ending ACL tear in the team's season opener against Fresno State after completing 25 of 34 passes for 215 yards in the first half.
In his absence, freshman Kedon Slovis threw for 3,502 yards, 30 touchdowns and nine interceptions, leading the Trojans to an 8-5 record.
Still, Daniels figured to have a chance to retake the job this offseason and still could return, but is exploring his options elsewhere.
