Boise State QB Malachi Nelson enters transfer portal again: What’s next for the former No. 1 recruit?

Boise State QB Malachi Nelson Enters Transfer Portal Again: What’s Next for the Former No. 1 Recruit?

In a move that has the college football world buzzing, Boise State quarterback Malachi Nelson, once the No. 1 overall prospect in the Class of 2023, has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. The news was confirmed by his manager, Justin Giangrande, to ESPN’s Pete Thamel on Thursday. This marks the second time in as many years that Nelson has entered the portal, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering what’s next for the highly touted quarterback.

Nelson’s college journey has been anything but smooth. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound quarterback began his career at USC in 2023, where he was expected to be the next big thing in coach Lincoln Riley’s quarterback pipeline. However, his time at USC was short-lived. Nelson appeared in just four snaps during his freshman season before entering the transfer portal last December. He eventually landed at Boise State in January, hoping for a fresh start under first-year head coach Spencer Danielson.

From Five-Star Recruit to Transfer Portal Regular

Nelson’s high school career was nothing short of spectacular. As the nation’s top-ranked high school prospect out of Los Alamitos High School in California, he threw for 2,898 yards and 35 touchdowns during his senior season. He was a two-time California Gatorade Player of the Year and had his pick of offers from powerhouse programs like Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan, and Notre Dame. Ultimately, he committed to USC in November 2021, a decision that seemed to set him on a path to stardom.

But college football is a different beast, and Nelson has struggled to find his footing. After transferring to Boise State, he entered a quarterback competition with redshirt sophomore Maddux Madsen. Despite his impressive high school resume, Nelson lost the starting job to Madsen, who went on to have a stellar season. Madsen completed 62% of his passes for 2,714 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just three interceptions, leading the Broncos to a College Football Playoff berth alongside Heisman Trophy finalist Ashton Jeanty.

Limited Opportunities at Boise State

Nelson’s time on the field for Boise State was limited to three appearances in blowout wins. During those games, he completed 12 of 17 passes for 128 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. While those numbers aren’t terrible, they’re a far cry from what you’d expect from a former five-star recruit and the top-ranked player in his class.

It’s clear that Nelson’s college career hasn’t gone as planned, but he still has three years of eligibility remaining. That gives him plenty of time to find the right fit and turn things around. The question is: where will he go next?

What’s Next for Malachi Nelson?

Nelson’s decision to enter the transfer portal again will undoubtedly attract attention from programs across the country. His high school pedigree and potential are still enough to make him an intriguing option for teams in need of a quarterback. However, his lack of significant playing time at the college level could make some programs hesitant.

Here are a few things to consider as Nelson navigates the transfer process:

• Playing Time: Nelson will likely prioritize finding a program where he has a clear path to the starting job. After two years of limited action, he needs a chance to prove himself on the field.
• Coaching Fit: The right coaching staff could make all the difference for Nelson. A coach who believes in his potential and is willing to develop him could help him finally reach the heights many expected when he was a five-star recruit.
• Program Stability: After transferring twice in two years, Nelson may look for a program with a stable coaching staff and a clear vision for the future.

For now, all eyes will be on Nelson as he begins the next chapter of his college football journey. Will he find the right fit and finally live up to his potential? Or will his career continue to be defined by unfulfilled expectations? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Malachi Nelson’s story is far from over.

Boise State’s Bright Future

While Nelson’s departure is a headline-grabber, Boise State fans have plenty to be excited about. With Maddux Madsen under center and Ashton Jeanty in the backfield, the Broncos are in good hands. Their College Football Playoff berth this season is a testament to the program’s strength and the leadership of first-year head coach Spencer Danielson.

As for Nelson, his journey serves as a reminder of just how unpredictable college football can be. The road to success is rarely a straight line, and sometimes, it takes a few detours to get there. Here’s hoping Nelson finds the right path and gets the opportunity to show what he’s truly capable of.