In today's world of the transfer portal, losers of quarterback battles don't stick around for long. Gone are the days when players stay and wait their turn.
With needs at programs around the nation, it's a common occurrence to see players lose their jobs to other players then pick up and move on. For those looking for greener pastures, it doesn't always work out.
But that's the nature of today's college football world. It's also why players who are fringe portal prospects need to make absolutely sure they use their one-time, non-penalized transfer wisely.
While the first portal window is closed, another one will open after spring practice. So as races crystalize this spring, we'll see a crop of signal-callers enter. Where will they wind up? Well, that's impossible to know for sure, but it's fun looking into the crystal ball and predicting the future.
What teams will need help at the position? Which guys are geographical and cultural fits? Here are some predictions for guys who'll lose spring quarterback battles and an option of where they'll materialize in '23.
Trenton Bourguet to San Diego State Aztecs
A season ago, former walk-on Trenton Bourguet burst on to the scene for an Arizona State program in transition to supplant Emory Jones and start for the Sun Devils for the last part of the season.
They found a 5'11", 185-pound diamond-in-the-rough who was precision-accurate (71.4 percent) and threw for 1,490 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions. But it's the dawning of a new era in Tempe, and new coach Kenny Dillingham brings a fling-it-around mentality. Will Bourguet be the guy? He's going to get a shot.
"Trenton's going to take the first snap at quarterback this spring because he's deserved it and earned it," Dillingham told ArizonaSports' 98.7's Jesse Morrison.
There are other quality options, though. Notre Dame's Drew Pyne transferred to ASU, as did BYU's Jacob Conover. The Sun Devils won perhaps the biggest late-signing period coup when getting former Florida 4-star quarterback signee Jaden Rashada. So, the stable's full.
While Bourget will get his chance, it's going to be tough for Dillingham to ignore Pyne. Much like Bo Nix at Oregon (where Dillingham was the offensive coordinator), Pyne has experience, beat ranked teams a season ago with the Irish and has plenty of skills.
It makes too much sense for Pyne to win the job and bridge the gap to Rashada. That would leave Bourguet in limbo.
He could transfer back to his home of Tucson to play for the Arizona Wildcats, but trekking to nearby San Diego State would be a strong choice. Battling Jalen Mayden for the job wouldn't be bad, as he provides a better passing option and then has a couple more seasons to lead the Mountain West program.