Report: Teams to watch in Emory Jones transfer portal sweepstakes

Quarterback Emory Jones plans to leave the Florida Gators and enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, according to reports on Friday. It was thought that Jones would enter the portal earlier in the offseason, but new Gators head coach Billy Napier got him to stick around. Now, a few practices into the spring, Jones is now going to transfer, just as many expected him to shortly after the conclusion of last season.

Now, a line of potential suitors for Jones have emerged with him now entering the transfer portal. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Arizona State is among the programs in contact with Jones.

“Multiple coaches from Arizona State followed Jones on social media in the wake of the news,” Thamel said. “Arizona State has one of the thinnest quarterback rooms among Power Five schools. Other schools that did the same were North Texas, Akron, Arkansas State and Rice.”

Ultimately, Jones is looking for a chance to compete. If he would have stuck at Florida, he would have been competing with Anthony Richardson, who showed great flashes at times last season. The Gators also added Ohio State transfer Jack Miller to the mix, and brought in Max Brown as part of their latest recruiting class.

When looking for a program to transfer into, Jones just wants to find somewhere that fits his style of play.

“He’s looking for an opportunity to compete and play at a high level and display his talents in an offense that suits his skill set,” Quincy Avery, who is the quarterback trainer for Jones, said via Thamel.

Jones could replace Jayden Daniels if he transfers to Arizona State

Arizona State being mentioned in the conversation for Jones would make a ton of sense. The Sun Devils had Jayden Daniels at quarterback last season, and he was a dynamic dual threat option at the position. Last season, Daniels threw for 2,380 yards with 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, adding 710 rushing yards and six scores on the ground.

Now, though, Daniels has entered the portal and transferred to LSU. With Daniels gone, Arizona State has a glaring need at quarterback. Jones could be the fit they are looking for.

Like Daniels, Jones is a dynamic quarterback who can create plays with his arm and his legs. Last season was the first as Florida’s starter for Jones after three previous years in the program. While he showed some inconsistencies, he also showed off his great potential. On the season, Jones threw for 2,734 yards with 19 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, adding 759 rushing yards and four scores with his legs.