Justin Fields transfer: Ranking 6 possible landing spots
6. Oklahoma Sooners
Since Lincoln Riley took over as the head coach for the Oklahoma Sooners, he’s had tremendous success grooming transfer quarterbacks for the next level. First was Baker Mayfield, then Kyler Murray and Jalen Hurts was the most recent a year ago. The 2020 season was supposed to be the first time a recruit, former 5-star Spencer Rattler, got under center.
But what if Riley instead stayed the course and brought Fields into the mix? In terms of Fields’ draft stock, it’s hard to deny what playing for the Sooners could do for him. Mayfield and Murray were No. 1 overall picks while Hurts, who came in as a late-round pick as best, played his way into the second round.
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Fields transferring to Norman would put Oklahoma in a tremendous position to stay atop the Big 12 and possibly compete for a National Championship. The only reason they come in at No. 6 is the inherent risk of bringing in Fields as it could lead to the departure of Rattler, thus leaving a hole at the position moving forward.
5. Miami Hurricanes
Miami already made waves in the transfer portal earlier this offseason, landing former Houston Cougars quarterback D’Eriq King. And while many in Coral Gables are enticed by the possibility of the dual-threat quarterback, there are questions about his effectiveness and upside against Power 5 competition.
There are no such questions when it comes to Fields. As mentioned, he was a Heisman Trophy finalist a season ago and had Ohio State on the cusp of the National Championship Game in the CFP semifinal matchup against Clemson. Miami, a program that has endured recent issues at quarterback, would welcome that type of stability in a major way.
Though potential top-five 2021 NFL Draft pick, defensive end Gregory Rousseau, has opted out of the 2020 season, the Hurricanes have an impressive defense and a talented-enough offense. Fields coming in and turning things around for this team to potentially challenge Clemson in the ACC would be huge for turning even more scouts’ heads.