/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66128234/usa_today_13673807.0.jpg)
Former Texas Tech quarterback Jett Duffey, who had entered the transfer portal earlier this offseason, has reportedly chosen to transfer to Central Michigan for his final year of eligibility, according to The Athletic Miami’s Manny Navarro.
The report was also confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Rittenburg and Tom VanHaaren.
The report, which came out on Saturday afternoon, was a bit of a shock in the college football world, as Duffey was one of the more coveted graduate transfer quarterbacks of the 2020 cycle, alongside names such as D’Erik King, Chase Brice and KJ Costello.
Duffey was previously linked to Tulane earlier this month, but the school denied Duffey’s application for enrollment based on academics, forcing Duffey back on the market.
Duffey could never quite stick on as a starter at Texas Tech, but did very well in his role as a primary backup, starting the final eight games of the 2019 season for the Red Raiders after an injury to starting QB Alan Bowman. He threw for 2,840 yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions, while also adding 72 rushes for 212 yards and a touchdown rushing.
A former three-star recruit in the class of 2016, Duffey was considered the 14th best dual-threat quarterback prospect in the country, also ranking in the Top 100 overall prospects in Texas and Top 500 in the country (468.) He held offers from Air Force and Nevada before committing to Texas Tech.
The six-foot-one, 195 lb. Mansfield, Texas, native will join a crowded quarterback room in 2020, with Daniel Richardson and George Pearson returning to the lineup, while JUCO QB John Keller and true freshman Tyler Pape will join the program. David Moore, a part-time starter in 2019, is still awaiting the result of an appeal for his banned substance suspension and would miss the first half of next season if denied.
Duffey will have one year of eligibility, and would be immediately eligible to play.