D’Eriq King’s potential transfer destinations

Once D’Eriq King sat out after the Tulane game, rumors of his transfer became the primary topic of discussion. Houston fans thought he’d stay, but others assumed he’d leave. When the season ended and we didn’t hear anything, it seemed like he’d end his career as a Cougar. Now we know that D’Eriq King’s time as a Houston Cougar are over.

It’s a disappointing end to what could have been a phenomenal ending for King and Houston, but it’s on to the next stage for both teams. Where will King go? Let’s take a look at a few destinations (note that some of these aren’t realistic, but rather interesting and potentially fun options).

Miami

This one continues to grow traction, though it seems like Miami fans are just throwing their name at any quarterback available. I don’t think King would go here, plus I doubt it’d be a good fit. The Canes already have a crowded quarterback room with Tate Martell, N’Kosi Perry and Jarren Williams competing. Adding King wouldn’t make a ton of sense.

TCU

He originally committed to TCU before switching to Houston. Freshman Max Duggan appeared to lock down the starting spot for the Horned Frogs, but King would give them an upgrade at the position for a year. I’m sure Gary Patterson will entertain the idea of bringing King in, but who knows if it will come to fruition.

Oklahoma

This by far is the most popular destination by college football fans. Lincoln Riley made some flattering comments about King when the Cougars played the Sooners to start the 2019 season, and that only fueled the rumors when King sat out to preserve his redshirt. He’d give Riley and Oklahoma another dynamic quarterback after Sooners fans were blessed with Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts. Riley’s work with Murray (who King gets compared to a lot) provides an outline of what King could look like in the Sooners offense. It seems like Spencer Rattler is destined to win the starting job next year, but King and Riley teaming up would be terrifying.

Purdue

Not going to happen, but I’m here for D’Eriq King and Rondale Moore to play together. If you say you wouldn’t watch that offense, you’re insane. King and Moore are two of the most explosive players at their respective positions, and you put them together. Throw in David Bell and this offense would be tough to stop. Jeff Brohm would find plenty of creative ways to get King in space, and the Boilermakers would be a headache to face.

Oregon

Oregon’s offense likes to go fast and make big plays, and they need a quarterback with Justin Herbert gone. Four new offensive linemen are needed as well, so it would help to have a quarterback that can keep plays alive while the new guys gel up front. Another destination that likely won’t happen, but one can dream.

LSU

Most unlikely for King, but Joe Brady working with King would be interesting. LSU needs a new quarterback with Joe Burrow exhausting his eligibility, and King gives them another exciting player to watch. Depending on who returns, the Tigers offense would provide plenty of weapons for King to utilize. The question would become if King can handle playing in the SEC. He has work to do as a passer, but he can keep up with the speed in that conference.

Arkansas

King thrived two seasons ago when Kendal Briles was the offensive coordinator under Major Applewhite. Briles was hired by the Razorbacks, and is rumored to be the favorite to land King. He’d team up with Rakeem Boyd and Trey Knox to lead a potentially exciting offense, but would also face stiffer competition in the SEC.

King also held offers from Washington, Missouri, Michigan State, Louisville and Kansas State. Not all would be great destinations for him, but still worth noting. It sucks that he’s gone, but he chose what he thought was the best decision. I wish him nothing but the best at his next stop, and hope he elevates his game to get into the NFL.