Miami has its starting quarterback, and again, it's not Tate Martell.
The former Ohio State quarterback won't even have the chance to compete for the starting quarterback spot this preseason as Miami has named Houston transfer D'Eriq King its starting quarterback before preseason camp even begins.
“D’Eriq’s hard work both on and off the field has earned him the starting quarterback position,” Miami head coach Manny Diaz said in a release. “His leadership qualities have been evident since he arrived on campus, continuing through mat drills, spring practice, our virtual meetings and summer activities. We’re excited to see him lead this offense and I know his teammates are excited as well.”
In three seasons (and four games in 2019) at Houston, King racked up 78 total touchdowns, 4,295 passing yards and 1,421 rushing yards in 22 starts. In his four starts before redshirting in 2019, King threw for 663 yards and six touchdowns and rushed for 312 yards and six touchdowns. He joined Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields as the only FBS quarterback to throw for a touchdown and run for a touchdown in each of his first four games.
This also means that Martell, entering his redshirt junior season, will have to wait another year to compete for the starting spot. Martell transferred from Ohio State during the spring ahead of the 2019 season after the Buckeyes added now-starter Justin Fields.
Martell was given immediate eligibility by the NCAA, but was third on the dept chart behind Jarrett Williams and N'Kosi Perry and only saw action in three games during the 2019 season. In his Miami career, Martell has even carries for 1 total yard and has completed one pass for 7 yards.
