Gus Malzahn era Auburn QB finds fourth school via transfer portal

Gus Malzahn-era Auburn football quarterback Joey Gatewood found his fourth collegiate home on Monday, May 22 with his commitment to Louisville. Gatewood, who competed with the likes of Jarrett Stidham and Malik Willis in 2018 before losing out to Bo Nix in 2019, has now taken to the transfer portal three times in the past four years, transferring to Kentucky ahead of the 2020 season and rejoining Malzahn with UCF in 2021.

In 2022, Gatewood was moved to the receiver position after going 24-for-51 for 180 yards and three touchdowns under center from 2018-2021. More effective on the ground, Gatewood turned 85 rushes into 390 yards and four scores.

Per 247Sports’ Jody Demling, Gatewood will play tight end at Louisville.

Analyst: Joey Gatewood was successor to Auburn football legend

On3’s Jack Pilgrim recalled certain cold take comparisons that were used in regards to Gatewood, noting the absurd likening some did to Auburn football legend Cam Newton before the Jacksonville, Florida native went on to lose the QB battle at two different SEC schools.

“Remember Joey Gatewood? At one point, he was seen as the next Cam Newton, a potential face of the Kentucky football program at quarterback,” Pilgrim prefaced before saying, “He came from Auburn as a former top-50 overall recruit and top-five player at his position, looking to be the dual-threat playmaker his potential and physical tools said he could be.”

Pilgrim was in disbelief that Louisville was ready to hand a scholarship spot to a player who has never recorded a catch at the collegiate level.

“Standing 6-foot-5, 233 pounds, Gatewood’s got the build and athleticism,” Pilgrim prefaced before saying, “But he’s never caught a pass at the collegiate level, nor has he blocked on the offensive line against high-major pass-rushers. Yet we’re going to try that now? Taking a scholarship at a position of need? I mean, I guess.”