The Bryan Harsin era will officially begin in 2022 as the Auburn football program starts fresh with a new quarterback, a new offensive coordinator, and a new class of recruits. Three-year starting quarterback Bo Nix announced his decision to enter the transfer portal as a grad transfer just before national early signing day, and now the Tigers could be on the market for a new quarterback.
In his wake, Nix leaves LSU transfer TJ Finley, soon-to-be freshman Dematrius Davis, and incoming freshman Holden Geriner, but it’s likely that the Tigers will need to add another quarterback to the roster. Former Oregon commit Tanner Bailey could be an option for the Tigers, but with Geriner committed to the 2022 class, Harsin and his staff should be looking into the transfer portal for options.
Auburn football transfer QB option #1: Adrian Martinez
Former Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez entered the transfer portal on December 2 after starting for most of his four seasons with the Huskers. The seasoned quarterback would have one year of eligibility on the Plains.
Though Martinez threw for 8,495 yards and 45 touchdowns throughout his time in Nebraska and has plenty of experience, many have compared his less-than-impressive progression over time to that of Bo Nix. Martinez had a stellar freshman season and then leveled off over his next three years, which sounds eerily similar to what the Tigers have dealt with in Nix.
While the former Huskers QB may not be the best portal option for Auburn football, his experience makes him a definite possibility.
Auburn football transfer QB option #2: Kedon Slovis
Nearly two weeks after former Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley announced a dramatic move to the University of Southern California, the Trojans’ quarterback Kedon Slovis entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal with two years of eligibility left.
As a true freshman in 2019, Slovis took over as the Trojans’ starting quarterback halfway through the first game and ended up winning Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year. In his career at USC, Slovis passed for 7,576 yards and 58 touchdowns with a completion percentage of 68.4.
After suffering a leg injury earlier this season, Slovis was replaced by true freshman Jaxson Dart. The pair were expected to battle for the starting role in 2022, which ultimately led to Slovis entering the portal.
Slovis thrives under an Air Raid offense, which could be brought to the program with Seattle QBs coach Austin Davis, who is currently the favorite to be hired as offensive coordinator. Once considered to be a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft–but with injuries keeping him from reaching his full potential–a change of scenery from LA to the Plains could provide the fresh start that Kedon Slovis needs.
Auburn football transfer QB option #3: Zach Calzada
Former Texas A&M Aggie Zach Calzada could be the exact guy that Auburn football needs to revamp the offense following the departure of Bo Nix. The sophomore earned the starting job for the Aggies this season after redshirt freshman Haynes King was injured in game 2 of 2021.
Though Calzada struggled early on in SEC play, he led the Aggies to a triumphant victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide and finished out the season 4-4 in conference play and 8-4 overall. He passed for 2,185 yards and 17 touchdowns in 10 games.
The only quarterback to beat Alabama this season could be interested in taking part in the Iron Bowl rivalry with SEC experience under his belt. However, with so much talent in the portal, Calzada could have limited options due to his shaky start for A&M and his struggles with accuracy. Could the Auburn offense be Calzada’s new home under a new offensive coordinator?
With Dematrius Davis and Holden Geriner waiting in the wings for their shot at the QB1 role in 2022, Bryan Harsin and the staff might take a chance on the former Aggie despite his somewhat-mediocre season.
Whether or not Auburn football decides to look to the transfer portal for new talent, Bo Nix has left the Tigers in need of more depth at the quarterback position.