Oklahoma quarterback Austin Kendall is in the transfer portal. Here’s what that means for the Sooners and if there’s a chance Kyler Murray returns.
Another day, another quarterback has entered the transfer portal.
Austin Kendall was in line to compete for the starting quarterback job at Oklahoma, but he’s entered his name in the NCAA transfer portal. Doing so doesn’t guarantee he is transferring, it certainly doesn’t bode well for his future in Norman.
Exploring a transfer raises eyebrows for a couple of reasons. The first is that incoming five-star freshman Spencer Rattler, the No. 1 pro-style passer and No. 23 overall recruit by 247Sports has a clear path toward starting as soon as spring camp begins.
This would give head coach Lincoln Riley a young quarterback he can mold and develop and have his hands on for the next few years. Considering what he’s been able to do with Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray in the one year he had them, it bodes well for Rattler and the future of the program.
But could Kendall’s decision be a sign that Murray, the 2018 Heisman Trophy winner, is keeping the door open on a return to Oklahoma?
Murray reportedly will declare for the NFL Draft before the Jan. 15 deadline for underclassmen to declare. The Draft is in April, but there will be an answer by February’s combine whether Murray will actively pursue an NFL career this year or if he’ll appear at spring training with the Oakland A’s who spent the No. 9 pick on him in the last MLB Draft.
Murray can pursue an NFL career and give up baseball and pay back his baseball signing bonus. Or Murray can give up football and fulfill his contract with the A’s.
In both of those scenarios, Murray would have to give up on one sport.
But what about a third option that sees Murray try to do both?
Murray can keep the NFL door open by reporting to spring training and report to a minor league team in the spring before leaving the team to report to Oklahoma camp and one more year of college football.
It might be a longshot, but it’s something esteemed former Cowboys executive Gil Brandt said wouldn’t surprise him if Murray did return to Oklahoma.
Brandt spoke with Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman about his tweet and how Murray will benefit from having another year at Oklahoma.
“By going back to college for a year he increases his knowledge and it helps him understand the nuances of the defense,” Brandt said. “In his case I think he could probably go back a week beforehand and do it. It’s just a hunch. It’s just a feel is what it is.”
This would be an awesome treat for fans of college football who get to watch the Heisman winner return when all along it was believed he’d have this year and that would be it before going to the A’s. When he signed with the A’s, few could have envisioned him winning the Heisman, leading Oklahoma to the playoff and winning over the NFL to the point he could be a potential first round pick at 5-9, 180 pounds.
Murray appears to be unsure about what he’s ultimately going to do. As a competitor, it’s extremely difficult to give up one of your passions to pursue your other passion. Murray could be trying to keep as many doors open as he contemplates the best path for his future.
Kendall is doing the same as he explores his options outside Oklahoma.