Andy Staples: Five transfer QBs that will have biggest impact in 2023

On3’s Andy Staples recognizes there’s a bevy of talented transfer quarterbacks out there, but five of them caught his eye more than any.

In recent seasons, we’ve seen just how high a quarterback can rise from simply being in a new situation. Caleb Williams won the Heisman in his first season with USC last year, and Jayden Daniels took LSU to the SEC Championship Game, and that’s just two of many examples since the advent of the NCAA Transfer Portal.

So who could have similar impacts in 2023? According to Staples, the sky is the limit for this group of signal callers.

Sam Hartman, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

First, former Wake Forest Demon Deacons star Sam Hartman draws the attention of Staples. After tearing up the ACC for multiple seasons, the On3 analyst believes Hartman can take Marcus Freeman‘s squad to compete for the College Football Playoff.

“What does Sam Hartman need to do for Notre Dame? He needs to make them the type of team that does not lose to Marshall and Stanford,” explained Staples. “The Fighting Irish’s season, the first season under Marcus Freeman, would’ve been completely different without those two losses. We would look back on that in a totally different way. … If Sam Hartman is as consistent as he was at Wake Forest, that sort of thing shouldn’t happen anymore at Notre Dame. Yeah, they may lose to Ohio State, but they’re going to be very competitive against everybody else that’s good.”

Devin Leary, Kentucky Wildcats

After some Heisman hype that went the wrong way at NC State, former Wolfpack quarterback Devin Leary took his talents to the SEC. Staples believes the fit is a perfect one, as Leary will look to rebuild his hype in Lexington.

“Devin Leary, who definitely has NFL tools, definitely has an NFL arm, has a chance to show exactly what he can do against very good competition,” stated Staples. “This is a team that could improve dramatically, and if does, Devin Leary will probably be the reason it does, so I think he’s the one in the SEC to watch.”

Jeff Sims, Nebraska Cornhuskers

One of the more under the radar selections made by Staples is none other than Nebraska quarterback Jeff Sims. He’s been chosen as the guy for Matt Rhule‘s first season in Lincoln, and the former Georgia Tech quarterback is expected to turn some heads.

“Matt Rhule picked Jeff Sims after a very interesting quarterback competition in which he had all his quarterbacks live in spring practice,” Staples harkened back. “The defense could hit them. They had five, and they had a lot to choose from and Matt Rhule wanted to see what they had, and Jeff Sims rose above them all. … He also has NFL tools, the question is, is he going to be able to show them? I’m not sure he ever got to show them at Georgia Tech, but you could see flashes there.”

Cade McNamara, Iowa Hawkeyes

Elsewhere in the Big Ten, Cade McNamara may have been the most well-known quarterback to change teams this offseason. Staples believes the former Michigan star can take the Hawkeyes offense from anemic to competitive in 2023.

“He’s already led a team as a starter to a Big Ten championship. … Now he’s going to need some help. The offensive line is going to need to block better, the running game is going to need to give them more than they gave Spencer Petras and company last year. But there’s going to be a lot of scrutiny on that offense,” the On3 analyst said. “… Cade McNamara can help make that all go away. If they’re coming out and they’re scoring with relative ease, or even if they’re just okay on offense, Iowa’s going to be a really good team.”

Tanner Mordecai, Wisconsin Badgers

Finally, it feels like Tanner Mordecai has been around forever, but Staples believes that’ll work to Wisconsin‘s benefit in 2023. The former SMU star has all the tools to succeed, and that’s what the On3 analyst is expecting in Madison.

“Wisconsin’s not thinking about the Big Ten West anymore. They shouldn’t, because it’s not going to exist anymore after this year. Wisconsin’s thinking about winning the Big Ten, Wisconsin’s thinking about competing for national titles,” Staples added. “Tanner Mordecai, sixth year senior, could give them a jumpstart on that, and then help himself get into the NFL Draft and maybe go higher than he would’ve had he come out after this past year at SMU. That one is going to be so interesting to watch, because it’s not going to look like what we’ve seen, but it could be very, very productive.”

As you can see, there’ll be plenty of quarterbacks to keep an eye on as they adjust to new surroundings in 2023, but Andy Staples’ five selections may be the best of the bunch. Big things could be ahead of them, and it’ll be fascinating to watch them grow into their new opportunity this season.