Syracuse quarterback Michael Johnson Jr. entering NCAA Transfer Portal

Syracuse quarterback Michael Johnson Jr. is entering the NCAA Transfer Portal. He announced the news via social media on Monday morning.

“Grateful for my time at Syracuse! Appreciate all my coaches and teammates for making this past year so enjoyable. I wish everybody nothing but the best!” Johnson Jr. posted on X. “With that being said I will be entering the Transfer Portal for my final year of eligibility!

The quarterback transferred to Syracuse ahead of the 2024 season. Prior, he spent two seasons at Florida Atlantic. He hasn’t seen extended playing time with either the Owls or the Orange in his collegiate career.

Johnson Jr.’s decision to transfer comes after head coach Fran Brown made a decision on the team’s starting quarterback for 2025. Rickie Collins will be the guy for the Orange. He’s in his first season with the program after transferring from LSU.

Collins will have some big shoes to fill. Syracuse saw their offense explode in 2024 thanks to another transfer, Kyle McCord. Previously at Ohio State, McCord turned into one of the best statistical quarterbacks in college football last season.

He threw for 4,779 yards — the most in the country — plus 34 touchdowns while completing 66% of his throws. Brown likely wants to see a number lower than 12 when discussing interceptions moving forward but it’s a trade-off you take with McCord.

Collins joined Syracuse back in December, something Brown did highlight when making the announcement. Some off-field leadership went into the decision too, as Collins could becoming a leader for the Orange at the right time.

“He seems to be moving into (being) the leader of our football team,” Brown said. “I’m liking what I’m seeing. I think the players are behind him, everyone’s behind him. So, it seems like he’s going to be our quarterback.

“Learning how to lead, he’s still doing it. This will be his first time. But he’s watched some really good players. He had two guys in front of him at LSU that I think did a good job, he’s been here through the bowl game prep and had a chance to watch Kyle.”

Two seasons were spent in Baton Rouge before Collins decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal. Minimal experience is on the resume, making just four appearances for LSU. Not too many pass attempts came his way when on the field. Collins has seven passes to his name, completing four for a total of 37 yards.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.

The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.

— On3’s Griffin McVeigh contributed to this article.