Michigan State football: Rocky Lombardi enters transfer portal, but where could he go?

Former Michigan State football starting quarterback Rocky Lombardi is looking for a new home after entering the transfer portal after losing his job.

Rocky Lombardi is on the move after the former Michigan State starting quarterback lost his job to Payton Thorne.

Lombardi entered the transfer portal on Friday and will have two seasons of eligibility left. Lombardi came to East Lansing from Clive, Iowa and threw for 1,902 yards in his career with 11 touchdowns to 14 interceptions.

That type of production is what cost him his job in the first year under Mel Tucker‘s tenure.

Payton Thorne’s rise led to Rocky Lombardi entering the transfer portal

Lombardi started three games in 2018 and the first six games of 2020 when he completed 53.5 percent of his passes for 1,090 yards with eight scores and nine interceptions.

After getting injured in the loss to Ohio State, Lombardi didn’t play vs. Penn State and saw Thorne thrive in his absence, throwing for 325 yards and three touchdowns. Thorne is clearly the future at the position for the Spartans and Lombardi could sense his place on the depth chart was in jeopardy so he’s seeking a fresh start to finish up his career.

Lombardi could find success in the MAC or other Group of Five schools if he connects with an offensive coach and system conducive to his skill-set. He likely will not find many starting opportunities at quality Power 5 programs based on his lack of success during his time as a starter with the Spartans.

In addition to Thorne carving into his playing time, Temple transfer Anthony Russo was added to the Spartans roster to compete for the starting job. Lombardi was the odd man out but could find a starting job at his next home.

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