You have to hand it to Ty Thompson. He could have transferred out of the Oregon football program many times before now, but he stuck it out and chose to get better, choosing loyalty and hard work over instant opportunity.

Thompson, a 6-foot-4, 220-pounder from Mesquite, Ariz., was the highest-rated quarterback to sign with the Ducks back in 2021. He was passed over a couple of times in favor of more veteran quarterbacks, but he chose to stay in Eugene through it all and continue to compete for a starting spot.

He showed some remarkable improvement this season under offensive coordinator Will Stein, and was able to show he could be a viable college quarterback.

With Bo Nix leaving after this season, 2024 seemed to be Thompson’s true chance to win the QB1 job. That hope was crushed when Oklahoma QB Dillon Gabriel announced he would transfer to Oregon. Understandably, that was the last straw for Thompson, who announced his transfer on Sunday morning.

Going forward, Thompson will be an attractive option on the open market, with two years of eligibility remaining as former 5-star player. Here are some potential destinations for Thompson to start immediately and get his college career rolling.

Arizona State Sun Devils

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Reasoning: Thompson going home makes all the sense in the world and he would be working with a coach who is familiar with him, Kenny Dillingham. The QB competition would certainly be one to watch. True freshman Jaden Rashada — a former high-end 4-star recruit — is expected to be the starter going forward, but Thompson could play the notorious role of incoming transfer portal QB for once and take over as QB1.

Miami Hurricanes

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Reasoning: Mario Cristobal recruited Thompson to play at Oregon and a reunion would make sense. Miami’s quarterback situation isn’t the best with Tyler Van Dyke transferring out this year. Maybe Thompson could go 3,000 miles and play for the Hurricanes. Stranger things have happened.

Auburn Tigers

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Reasoning: You could call it the Reverse Bo Nix. Thompson going to Auburn would be a bit ironic. Playing in the SEC would be a huge jump up, but the Tigers are one SEC school where Thompson could compete for the QB1 job and have a good possibility of winning.

Kansas State Wildcats

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Reasoning: Kansas State is another place where Thompson could compete and win the starting job. Incumbent Will Howard is transferring out and it would be a nice place for Thompson to transfer in, entering a competition with 4-star true freshman Avery Johnson.

Oregon State Beavers

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Reasoning: It would be another ironic place to go just 40 miles north, but Thompson could step on campus and be the starter from Day 1. Both DJ Uiagalelei and Aiden Chiles have transferred out of Corvallis. It would be interesting to see Thompson play for the rival against the Ducks on Sept. 14. Given Oregon State’s status of still looking for a conference, there would be no pressure to be the savior. The biggest hurdle to cross would be Thompson stomaching a move to what has been his biggest rival over the past few years.

 

Boise State Broncos

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Reasoning: The Broncos aren’t the powerhouse they once were and are looking for a quarterback. With a new head coach, there will likely be some turnover in Boise, but Thompson has the talent to be able to come in right away and take over as the starter for a respectable program.

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